granisetron hydrochloride
Granisetron Hydrochloride is a serotonin-3 receptor antagonist.
Serotonin-3 Receptor Antagonist · by Hikma Farmaceutica
Generic of Kytril
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Granisetron Hydrochloride
- Drug class
- Serotonin-3 Receptor Antagonist
- Form
- Injectable, Solution, Tablet
- Strength
- Granisetron Hydrochloride EQ 1MG BASE/ML (EQ 1MG BASE/ML) · Granisetron Hydrochloride EQ 4MG BASE/4ML (EQ 1MG BASE/ML)
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Generic
- Manufacturer
- Hikma Farmaceutica
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$33.48 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- ANDA078629
What is Granisetron Hydrochloride?
From the FDA label:Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection, USP is a serotonin-3 (5-HT 3 ) receptor antagonist. Chemically it is endo -N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo [3.3.1] non-3-yl)-1-methyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride with a molecular weight of 348.9 (312.4 free base). Its empirical formula is C18H24N4O•HCl, while its chemical structure is: Granisetron hydrochloride is a white to off-white solid that is readily soluble in water and normal saline at 20°C. Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection, USP is a clear, colorless, sterile, nonpyrogenic, aqueous solution for intravenous administration. Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection, USP 1 mg/mL is available in 1 mL single dose and 4 mL multiple dose vials. 1 mg/mL: Each mL contains 1.12 mg granisetron hydrochloride equivalent to granisetron, 1 mg; sodium chloride, 9 mg; citric acid anhydrous, 2 mg; and benzyl alcohol, 10 mg, as a preservative. The solution’s pH ranges from 4.0 to 6.0; pH adjusted with sodium hydroxide/hydrochloric acid. chemical structure
How to use
Granisetron Hydrochloride is sold in more than one form (Injectable, Solution and Tablet), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application ANDA078629 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.
Prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting ( 2.1 ) : Recommended dosage is 10 mcg/kg intravenously within 30 minutes before initiation of chemotherapy Pediatric patients (2 to 16 years): Recommended dosage is 10 mcg/kg 2.1 Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Adult Patients The recommended dosage for Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection is 10 mcg/kg administered intravenously within 30 minutes before initiation of chemotherapy, and only on the day(s) chemotherapy is given. Infusion Preparation Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection may be administered intravenously either undiluted over 30 seconds or diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride or 5% Dextrose and infused over 5 minutes. Stability Intravenous infusion of Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection should be prepared at the time of administration. However, Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection has been shown to be stable for at least 24 hours when diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride or 5% Dextrose and stored at room temperature under normal lighting conditions. As a general precaution, Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection should not be mixed in solution with other drugs. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration whenever solution and container permit. Pediatric Patients The recommended dose in pediatric patients 2 to 16 years of age is 10…
Side effects
QT prolongation has been reported with granisetron hydrochloride [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Most common adverse reactions: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (≥3%): Headache, and constipation ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1-877-845-0689 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www . fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in patients. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting The following have been reported during controlled clinical trials or in the routine management of patients. The percentage figures are based on clinical trial experience only. Table 1 gives the comparative frequencies of the two most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥3%) in patients receiving Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection, in single-day chemotherapy trials. These patients received chemotherapy, primarily cisplatin, and intravenous fluids during the 24-hour period following Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection administration. Reactions were generally recorded over seven days post-Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection administration. Table 1. Principal…
Warnings
Important safety information
Granisetron hydrochloride does not stimulate gastric or intestinal peristalsis and should not be used instead of nasogastric suction. ( 5.1 ) QT prolongation has been reported with granisetron hydrochloride. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing arrhythmias or cardiac conduction disorders. ( 5.2 ) Hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis, shortness of breath, hypotension, and urticaria, may occur in patients with known hypersensitivity to other selective 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists. ( 5.3 ) Contains benzyl alcohol. ( 5.4 ) Serotonin syndrome has been reported with granisetron products, alone but particularly with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Gastric or Intestinal Peristalsis Granisetron hydrochloride is not a drug that stimulates gastric or intestinal peristalsis. It should not be used instead of nasogastric suction. The use of granisetron hydrochloride in patients following abdominal surgery or in patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting may mask a progressive ileus and/or gastric distention. 5.2 Cardiovascular Events An adequate QT assessment has not been conducted, but QT prolongation has been reported with granisetron hydrochloride. Therefore, granisetron hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing arrhythmias or cardiac conduction disorders, as this might lead to clinical consequences. Patients with cardiac disease, on cardio-toxic chemotherapy, with concomitant electrolyte abnormalities and/or on concomitant medications that prolong the QT interval are particularly at risk. 5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis, shortness of breath, hypotension, urticaria) may occur in patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity to other selective 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists 5.4 Benzyl Alcohol Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection 1 mg/mL contains benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol, a component of Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection 1 mg/mL, has been associated with serious adverse reactions and death, particularly in neonates. The “gasping syndrome,” characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, gasping respirations, and high levels of benzyl alcohol and metabolites in blood and urine, has been associated with benzyl alcohol dosages >99 mg/kg/day in neonates and low birth-weight neonates. Additional symptoms may include gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Although normal therapeutic doses of this product deliver amounts of benzyl alcohol that are substantially lower than those reported in association with the “gasping syndrome,” the minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known. Premature and low birth-weight infants, as well as patients receiving high dosages, may be more likely to develop toxicity. Practitioners administering this and other medications containing benzyl alcohol should consider the combined daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from all sources. 5.5 Serotonin Syndrome The development of serotonin syndrome has been reported with 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists. Most reports have been associated with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, mirtazapine, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, and intravenous methylene blue). Some of the reported cases were fatal. Serotonin syndrome occurring with overdose of another 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist alone has also been reported. The majority of reports of serotonin syndrome related to 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist use occurred in a post-anesthesia care unit or an infusion center. Symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome may include the following combination of signs and symptoms: mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, with or without gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome, especially with concomitant use of granisetron and other serotonergic drugs. If symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, discontinue granisetron and initiate supportive treatment. Patients should be informed of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome, especially if granisetron is used concomitantly with other serotonergic drugs [see Drug Interactions ( 7 ), Patient Counseling Information ( 17 )].
Who should not take Granisetron Hydrochloride
Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity (e.g. anaphylaxis, shortness of breath, hypotension, urticaria) to the drug or to any of its components. Hypersensitivity to granisetron or to any of its components. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
There is no specific antidote for Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection overdosage. In case of overdosage, symptomatic treatment should be given. Overdosage of up to 38.5 mg of granisetron hydrochloride injection has been reported without symptoms or only the occurrence of a slight headache.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Granisetron does not induce or inhibit the cytochrome P-450 drug-metabolizing enzyme system in vitro . There have been no definitive drug-drug interaction studies to examine pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction with other drugs; however, in humans, Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection has been safely administered with drugs representing benzodiazepines, neuroleptics and anti-ulcer medications commonly prescribed with antiemetic treatments. Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection also does not appear to interact with emetogenic cancer chemotherapies. Because granisetron is metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P-450 drug-metabolizing enzymes, inducers or inhibitors of these enzymes may change the clearance and, hence, the half-life of granisetron. No specific interaction studies have been conducted in anesthetized patients. In addition, the activity of the cytochrome P-450 subfamily 3A4 (involved in the metabolism of some of the main narcotic analgesic agents) is not modified by granisetron hydrochloride in vitro . In in vitro human microsomal studies, ketoconazole inhibited ring oxidation of granisetron hydrochloride. However, the clinical significance of in vivo pharmacokinetic interactions with ketoconazole is not known. In a human pharmacokinetic study, hepatic enzyme induction with phenobarbital resulted in a 25% increase in total plasma clearance of intravenous granisetron hydrochloride. The clinical significance of this change is not known. QT prolongation has been reported with granisetron hydrochloride. Use of granisetron hydrochloride in patients concurrently treated with drugs known to prolong the QT interval and/or are arrhythmogenic may result in clinical consequences. Serotonin syndrome (including altered mental status, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular symptoms) has been described following the concomitant use of 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists and other serotonergic drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]. Granisetron Hydrochloride Injection, USP has been administered safely with benzodiazepines, neuroleptics, and anti-ulcer medications. ( 7 ) Does not appear to interact with emetogenic cancer chemotherapies. ( 7 ) Inducers or inhibitors of CYP450 enzymes may change the clearance and therefore the half-life of granisetron. ( 7 ) Coadministration of granisetron hydrochloride with drugs known to prolong the QT interval and/or are arrhythmogenic may result in clinical consequences. ( 7 )
Drug class
Dosage forms
Injectable, Solution and Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does Granisetron Hydrochloride cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $33.48 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Granisetron Hydrochloride?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Granisetron Hydrochloride. To pay less, Granisetron Hydrochloride is already a generic — usually the lowest-cost version — so the main levers are comparing cash prices between pharmacies and using a pharmacy discount-card service. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Granisetron Hydrochloride?
- Granisetron Hydrochloride is marketed by Hikma Farmaceutica. You can see Hikma Farmaceutica's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Granisetron Hydrochloride a brand-name or generic drug?
- Granisetron Hydrochloride is a generic medication; its active ingredient is Granisetron Hydrochloride. Generics contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name original and are usually lower cost.
- Is Granisetron Hydrochloride available over the counter?
- No. Granisetron Hydrochloride is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Granisetron Hydrochloride come in?
- Granisetron Hydrochloride is currently marketed as injectable, solution and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Granisetron Hydrochloride?
- Granisetron Hydrochloride is classified as serotonin-3 receptor antagonist, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Granisetron Hydrochloride FDA-registered?
- Granisetron Hydrochloride is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number ANDA078629. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Granisetron Hydrochloride safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Granisetron Hydrochloride. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Granisetron Hydrochloride?
- Granisetron Hydrochloride's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: QT prolongation has been reported with granisetron hydrochloride [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Most common adverse reactions: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (≥3%): Headache, and constipation ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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