General Information on Kytril
The generic name of Kytril is granisetron hydrochloride, and it is available in the form of a tablet as well as an oral solution. Granisetron hydrochloride is an antiemetic and antinauseant agent, which is used for treating symptoms of vomiting and nausea post chemotherapy. Kytril is primarily administered because it helps in reducing the activity of the pneumogastric nerve or vagus nerve, which is responsible for activating the ‘vomiting center’ present in the lower half of the brainstem also known as medulla oblongata. If you are planning to buy Kytril, you need to be aware that it is not effective against nausea induced by motion sickness.
Side effects of Kytril
Since Kytril is available in the form of a tablet and oral solution, there is a possibility of witnessing side effects due to both forms of the drug. There are very common side effects that most patients may encounter and these include nausea and vomiting, anxiety followed by agitated behavior, constipation or diarrhea, indigestion and stomach pain, change in taste, weakness and overall lethargy, dizziness and drowsiness followed by headache, and insomnia.
Clinical trials have also revealed that Kytril can lead to gastrointestinal problems, hepatic problems, and cardiovascular problems like hypotension, hypertension, syncope, atrial fibrillation, and angina pectoris. It affects the Central Nervous System as well and leads to symptoms of somnolence, insomnia, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Rare cases of hypersensitivity reactions have also been noticed in patients, which can vary from mild to severe like urticaria and anaphylaxis. Some clinical trials have also reported symptoms of alopecia, leukopenia, anemia, decreased appetite, and thrombocytopenia.
Precautions
One of the important precautions to take before you buy Kytril is informing your doctor or physician about your current health condition. If you are allergic to granisetron or other similar medicines like palonosetron (Aloxi), dolasetron (Anzemet), and ondansetron (Zofran), the administration of Kytril can cause medical problems or worsen existing medical condition. Administration of Kytril is not advisable if you have liver disease, electrolyte imbalance, heart rhythm disorder, and a history of Long QT syndrome. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding a child, consult your doctor before taking the medication.
Kytril Dosage
Kytril can be taken in the form of oral solution or tablets as recommended by the doctor. Kytril oral solution is available in 10 mL bottles and contains 2.24 mg of granisetron hydrochloride. Kytril tablets are available in 3 mg packs and contain 1.12 mg granisetron hydrochloride. The standard dose is Kytril 1mg tablet twice a day for at least a week after cytostatic therapy has been performed. The first dose of Kytril 1mg should be administered 1 hour prior to cytostatic therapy. Kytril 3 mg can also be administered to patients via a slow intravenous injection. The maximum intravenous dose should not exceed two 5-minute administrations with 24 hours. The dosage for children and pregnant mothers will vary based on their medical condition.
Interactions
Kytril is not known to have any definitive drug on drug interaction, and the injection does not interact with any emetogenic chemotherapy drugs.
