Europe — EMA
Granisetron Actavis
Granisetron Actavis is an oral 5‑HT3 antagonist used to prevent chemotherapy‑ and postoperative‑induced nausea and vomiting. Learn indications, side effects, and precautions.
Request sourcing
What is Granisetron?
Granisetron Actavis is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient granisetron, a selective 5‑HT3 receptor antagonist, supplied in an oral dosage form. It belongs to the antiemetic therapeutic class and is marketed in the European Union. The product is used under medical supervision to help prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or surgery, and may be administered before anesthetic procedures in adult patients.
What is Granisetron used for?
Granisetron Actavis is indicated for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in specific clinical settings.
- Prevention of chemotherapy‑induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). - Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). - Use as part of a prophylactic regimen before highly emetogenic chemotherapy. - Use in patients receiving moderate‑risk chemotherapy agents. - May be prescribed for nausea associated with radiotherapy.
What are the side effects of Granisetron?
The safety profile of Granisetron Actavis includes both common and less frequent adverse reactions.
Common: - Headache. - Constipation. - Dizziness or light‑headedness. - Fatigue. - Mild diarrhea. - Abdominal discomfort.
Serious: - Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). - QT interval prolongation. - Cardiac arrhythmia. - Severe constipation leading to bowel obstruction. - Rare cases of serotonin syndrome.
What precautions apply to Granisetron?
Before initiating Granisetron Actavis, clinicians should consider several precautionary measures.
- Assess cardiac history, especially any prior QT interval prolongation. - Review concomitant medications that may affect cardiac conduction. - Use caution in patients with electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. - Evaluate for known hypersensitivity to granisetron or other 5‑HT3 antagonists. - Consider renal or hepatic impairment when determining dosage. - Avoid use in patients with a documented prolonged QT syndrome.
What does Granisetron interact with?
Granisetron Actavis can interact with other drugs, influencing its efficacy or safety.
Avoid: - Co‑administration with other QT‑prolonging agents (e.g., certain antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics). - Concurrent use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) that may increase granisetron plasma levels.
Use with caution: - Use with other antiemetics that also block 5‑HT3 receptors, as additive side effects may occur. - Use with drugs that affect electrolyte balance (e.g., diuretics). - Use with medications that may cause dizziness or CNS depression (e.g., benzodiazepines).
