Yes

Antiemetic

When conventional antiemetics fail to relieve the nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, AIDS-related anorexia

C-II

C

Use only for cancer chemotherapy-induced nausea; should not be used in patients with a history of schizophrenia or in patients with known hypersensitivity to dronabinol or any component

Use with caution in patients with heart disease, hepatic disease, or seizure disorders; reduce dosage in patients with severe hepatic impairment

>10%: Central nervous system: Drowsiness, dizziness, detachment, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, mood change

1% to 10%:

Cardiovascular: Orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia

Central nervous system: Ataxia, depression, headache, vertigo, hallucinations, memory lapse

Gastrointestinal: Xerostomia

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Paresthesia, weakness

<1%: Syncope, nightmares, speech difficulties, diarrhea, myalgia, tinnitus, diaphoresis

Symptoms of overdose include tachycardia, hypertension, and hypotension

CYP2C18 and 3A3/4 enzyme substrate

Store in a cool place

Not well defined, probably inhibits the vomiting center in the medulla oblongata

Onset of effect: Within 1 hour

Absorption: Oral: Erratic

Protein binding: 97% to 99%

Metabolism: Extensive first-pass metabolism; metabolized in the liver to several metabolites, some of which are active

Half-life: 19-24 hours

Time to peak serum concentration: Within 2-3 hours

Elimination: In feces and urine

Oral:

Adults: 5 mg/m² 1-3 hours before chemotherapy, then administer 5 mg/m²/dose every 2-4 hours after chemotherapy for a total of 4-6 doses/day; dose may be increased up to a maximum of 15 mg/m²/dose if needed (dosage may be increased by 2.5 mg/m² increments)

Appetite stimulant (AIDS-related): Initial: 2.5 mg twice daily (before lunch and dinner); titrate up to a maximum of 20 mg/day

Alcohol: Additive CNS effect, avoid use

CNS effects, heart rate, blood pressure

Antinauseant effects: 5-10 ng/mL

FSH, LH, growth hormone, testosterone

Drowsiness, anxiety, confusion, and mood changes are common; may cause depression or hallucinations

Concurrent use with barbiturates and benzodiazepines produce additive sedation

No information available to require special precautions

No effects or complications reported

Take exactly as directed; do not increase dose or take more often than prescribed. Do not use alcohol or other depressant medications without consulting prescriber. You may experience psychotic reaction, impaired coordination or judgment, faintness, dizziness, or drowsiness (do not drive or engage in activities that require alertness and coordination until response to drug is known); clumsiness, unsteadiness, or muscular weakness (change position slowly and use caution when climbing stairs). Report excessive or persistent CNS changes (euphoria, anxiety, depression, memory lapse, bizarre though patterns, excitability, inability to control thoughts or behavior, fainting), respiratory difficulties, rapid heartbeat, or other adverse reactions. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to be pregnant. Do not breast-feed.

Raise bed rails, institute safety measures, assist with ambulation

Capsule: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Cat LK and Coleman RL, "Treatment for HIV Wasting Syndrome," Ann Pharmacother, 1994, 28(5):595-7.

Lane M, Smith FE, Sullivan RA, et al, "Dronabinol and Prochlorperazine Alone and in Combination as Antiemetic Agents for Cancer Chemotherapy," Am J Clin Oncol, 1990, 13(6):480-4.

Struwe M, Kaempfer SH, Geiger CJ, et al, "Effect of Dronabinol on Nutritional Status in HIV Infection," Ann Pharmacother, 1993, 27(7-8):827-31.

Voth EA and Schwartz RH, "Medicinal Applications of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Marijuana," Ann Intern Med, 1979, 126(10):791-8.