marinol
Marinol (Dronabinol) is a medication used to treat Anorexia, Nausea, Vomiting.
Dronabinol · by Alkem Labs Ltd
Available as a generic: Dronabinol
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Dronabinol
- Form
- Capsule
- Strength
- Dronabinol 10MG · Dronabinol 2.5MG · Dronabinol 5MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Alkem Labs Ltd
- FDA application
- NDA018651
What is Marinol?
From the FDA label:Dronabinol is a cannabinoid designated chemically as (6aR,10aR)-6a,7,8,10a-Tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6H-dibenzo[b,d]-pyran-1-ol. Dronabinol has the following empirical and structural formulas: C 21 H 30 O 2 (molecular weight = 314.46) Dronabinol, the active ingredient in MARINOL (dronabinol capsules, USP), is synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC). Dronabinol is a light yellow resinous oil that is sticky at room temperature and hardens upon refrigeration. Dronabinol is insoluble in water and is formulated in sesame oil. It has a pKa of 10.6 and an octanol-water partition coefficient: 6,000:1 at pH 7. Each MARINOL capsule strength is formulated with the following inactive ingredients: 2.5 mg capsule contains gelatin, glycerin, sesame oil, and titanium dioxide; 5 mg capsule contains iron oxide red and iron oxide black, gelatin, glycerin, sesame oil, and titanium dioxide; 10 mg capsule contains iron oxide red and iron oxide yellow, gelatin, glycerin, sesame oil, and titanium dioxide. marinol-struct
How to use
Anorexia Associated with Weight Loss in Adult Patients with AIDS Starting Dosage The recommended adult starting dosage of MARINOL is 2.5 mg orally twice daily, one hour before lunch and dinner. In elderly patients or patients unable to tolerate 2.5 mg twice daily, consider initiating MARINOL at 2.5 mg once daily one hour before dinner or at bedtime to reduce the risk of central nervous system (CNS) symptoms [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)] . Dosing later in the day may reduce the frequency of CNS adverse reactions. CNS adverse reactions are dose-related [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] ; therefore monitor patients and reduce the dosage as needed. If CNS adverse reactions of feeling high, dizziness, confusion, and somnolence occur, they usually resolve in 1 to 3 days and usually do not require dosage reduction. If CNS adverse reactions are severe or persistent, reduce the dosage to 2.5 mg in the evening or at bedtime. Dosage Titration If tolerated and further therapeutic effect is desired, the dosage may be increased gradually to 2.5 mg one hour before lunch and 5 mg one hour before dinner. Increase the dose of MARINOL gradually in order to reduce the frequency of dose-related adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . Most patients respond to 2.5 mg twice daily, but the dose may be further increased to 5 mg one hour before lunch and 5 mg one hour…
Side effects
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 practice. The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling. • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] • Hemodynamic Instability [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] • Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] • Paradoxical Nausea, Vomiting, and Abdominal Pain [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Studies of AIDS-related weight loss included 157 patients receiving MARINOL at a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily and 67 receiving placebo. Studies of nausea and vomiting related to cancer chemotherapy included 317 patients receiving MARINOL and 68 receiving placebo. In the tables below is a summary of the adverse reactions in 474 patients exposed to MARINOL in studies. Studies of different durations were combined by considering the first occurrence of events during the first 28 days. A cannabinoid dose-related "high" (easy laughing, elation and heightened awareness) has been reported by patients receiving MARINOL in both the antiemetic (24%) and the lower dose appetite stimulant clinical trials (8%). The most frequently reported…
Warnings
Important safety information
5.1 Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions Psychiatric Adverse Reactions Dronabinol has been reported to exacerbate mania, depression, or schizophrenia. Significant CNS symptoms followed oral doses of 0.4 mg/kg (28 mg per 70 kg patient) of MARINOL in antiemetic studies. Prior to initiating treatment with MARINOL, screen patients for a history of these illnesses. Avoid use in patients with a psychiatric history or, if the drug cannot be avoided, monitor patients for new or worsening psychiatric symptoms during treatment. Also, avoid concomitant use with other drugs that are associated with similar psychiatric effects. Cognitive Adverse Reactions Use of MARINOL has been associated with cognitive impairment and altered mental state. Reduce the dose of MARINOL or discontinue use of MARINOL if signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment develop. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the neurological and psychoactive effects of MARINOL [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4, 8.5)] . Hazardous Activities MARINOL can cause and may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks such as driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery. Concomitant use of other drugs that cause dizziness, confusion, sedation, or somnolence such as CNS depressants may increase this effect (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines, ethanol, lithium, opioids, buspirone, scopolamine, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, other anticholinergic agents, muscle relaxants). Inform patients not to operate motor vehicles or other dangerous machinery until they are reasonably certain that MARINOL does not affect them adversely. 5.2 Hemodynamic Instability Patients may experience occasional hypotension, possible hypertension, syncope, or tachycardia while taking MARINOL [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] . Patients with cardiac disorders may be at higher risk. Avoid concomitant use of other drugs that are also associated with similar cardiac effects (e.g., amphetamines, other sympathomimetic agents, atropine, amoxapine, scopolamine, antihistamines, other anticholinergic agents, amitriptyline, desipramine, other tricyclic antidepressants). Monitor patients for changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and syncope after initiating or increasing the dosage of MARINOL. 5.3 Seizures Seizure and seizure-like activity have been reported in patients receiving dronabinol. Weigh this potential risk against the benefits before prescribing MARINOL to patients with a history of seizures, including those receiving anti-epileptic medication or with other factors that can lower the seizure threshold. Monitor patients with a history of seizure disorders for worsened seizure control during MARINOL therapy. If a seizure occurs, advise patients to discontinue MARINOL and contact a healthcare provider immediately. 5.4 Multiple Substance Abuse Patients with a history of substance abuse or dependence, including marijuana or alcohol, may be more likely to abuse MARINOL as well. Assess each patient’s risk for abuse or misuse prior to prescribing MARINOL and monitor patients with a history of substance abuse during treatment with MARINOL for the development of these behaviors or conditions. 5.5 Paradoxical Nausea, Vomiting, or Abdominal Pain Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain can occur during treatment with synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), the active ingredient in MARINOL®(dronabinol capsules, USP). In some cases, these adverse reactions were severe (e.g., dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities) and required dose reduction or drug discontinuation. Symptoms are similar to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which is described as cyclical events of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in chronic, long-term users of delta-9-THC products. Because patients may not recognize these symptoms as abnormal, it is important to specifically ask patients or their caregivers about the development of worsening of nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain while being treated with MARINOL. Consider dose reduction or discontinuing MARINOL if a patient develops worsening nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain while on treatment. • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions : May cause psychiatric and cognitive effects and impair mental and/or physical abilities. Avoid use in patients with a psychiatric history. Monitor for symptoms and avoid concomitant use of drugs with similar effects. Inform patients not to operate motor vehicles or other dangerous machinery until they are reasonably certain that MARINOL ® (dronabinol capsules, USP), does not affect them adversely. (5.1) • Hemodynamic Instability : Patients with cardiac disorders may experience hypotension, hypertension, syncope or tachycardia. Avoid concomitant use of drugs with similar effects and monitor for hemodynamic changes after initiating or increasing the dosage of MARINOL. (5.2) • Seizures and Seizure-like Activity : Weigh the potential risk versus benefits before prescribing MARINOL to patients with a history of seizures, including those requiring anti-epileptic medication or with other factors that lower the seizure threshold. Monitor patients and discontinue if seizures occur. (5.3) • Multiple Substance Abuse : Assess risk for abuse or misuse in patients with a history of substance abuse or dependence, prior to prescribing MARINOL and monitor for the development of associated behaviors or conditions. (5.4) • Paradoxical Nausea, Vomiting, or Abdominal Pain : Consider dose reduction or discontinuation, if worsening of symptoms while on treatment. (5.5)
Who should not take Marinol
MARINOL® (dronabinol capsules, USP) is contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to dronabinol or sesame oil. Reported hypersensitivity reactions to dronabinol capsules include lip swelling, hives, disseminated rash, oral lesions, skin burning, flushing and throat tightness [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)] .
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Signs and symptoms of dronabinol overdosage include drowsiness, euphoria, heightened sensory awareness, altered time perception, reddened conjunctiva, dry mouth, tachycardia, memory impairment, depersonalization, mood alteration, urinary retention, reduced bowel motility, decreased motor coordination, lethargy, slurred speech, and postural hypotension. Patients may also experience panic reactions if they have a prior history of nervousness or anxiety, and seizures may occur in patients with existing seizure disorders. It is not known if dronabinol can be removed by dialysis in cases of overdose. If over-exposure of MARINOL occurs, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for current information on the management of poisoning or overdosage.
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
7.1 Additive CNS Effects Additive CNS effects (e.g., dizziness, confusion, sedation, somnolence) may occur when MARINOL is taken concomitantly with drugs that have similar effects on the central nervous system such as CNS depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . 7.2 Additive Cardiac Effects Additive cardiac effects (e.g., hypotension, hypertension, syncope, tachycardia) may occur when MARINOL is taken concomitantly with drugs that have similar effects on the cardiovascular system [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . 7.3 Effect of Other Drugs on Dronabinol Dronabinol is primarily metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes based on published in vitro studies. Inhibitors of these enzymes may increase, while inducers may decrease, the systemic exposure of dronabinol and/or its active metabolite resulting in an increase in dronabinol-related adverse reactions or loss of efficacy of MARINOL. Monitor for potentially increased dronabinol-related adverse reactions when MARINOL is co-administered with inhibitors of CYP2C9 (e.g., amiodarone, fluconazole) and inhibitors of CYP3A4 enzymes (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, erythromycin, grapefruit juice). 7.4 Highly Protein-Bound Drugs Dronabinol is highly bound to plasma proteins, and therefore, might displace and increase the free fraction of other concomitantly administered protein-bound drugs. Although this displacement has not been confirmed in vivo, monitor patients for increased adverse reactions to narrow therapeutic index drugs that are highly protein bound (e.g., warfarin, cyclosporine, amphotericin B) when initiating treatment or increasing the dosage of MARINOL. • Inhibitors and inducers of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 : May alter dronabinol systemic exposure; monitor for potential dronabinol-related adverse reactions or loss of efficacy. (7.3) • Highly protein-bound drugs : Potential for displacement of other drugs from plasma proteins; monitor for adverse reactions to concomitant highly protein-bound drugs and narrow therapeutic index drugs (e.g., warfarin, cyclosporine, amphotericin B) when initiating or increasing the dosage of MARINOL. (7.4)
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Capsule
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Marinol treat?
- Marinol (Dronabinol) may be used to treat anorexia, nausea, vomiting, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Marinol?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Marinol. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Marinol?
- Marinol is marketed by Alkem Labs Ltd. You can see Alkem Labs Ltd's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Marinol a brand-name or generic drug?
- Marinol is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Dronabinol. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Dronabinol are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Marinol available over the counter?
- No. Marinol 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 Marinol come in?
- Marinol is currently marketed as capsule, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Marinol FDA-registered?
- Marinol is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA018651. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Marinol safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Marinol. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Marinol?
- Marinol's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: 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 practice.… 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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