Dronabinol

Also known as: Tetra hydrocannobinol

Drug #1477

Dronabinol is a synthetic oral preparation of tetrahydrocannibinol (delta-9-THC), one of 66 cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa. The synthetic form shares all the characteristics of the naturally occurring compound and is capable of producing physical and psychological dependence. Dronabinol is an antiemetic and used for the relief of nausea and vomiting secondary to cancer chemotherapy in patients who have failed to respond to other antiemetics. It also is used as an appetite stimulant in the treatment of anorexiaassociated with weight loss in patients with cancer and AIDS. It was approved by the FDA in May 1985.

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Primary Characteristics

Dronabinol is also known as Tetra hydrocannobinol.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Tetrahydrocannibinol.

Molecular Weight: 314.5 · Solubility in Water: insoluble · Solubility in Alcohol: soluble in 1 part of alcohol · Non-proprietary name: Dronabinol.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Dronabinol has an oral bioavailability is 92.5% (±2.5%).

Distribution: Dronabinol has a volume of distribution is 10 L/kg. plasma protein binding is 97% to 99%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via hepatic, plasma half-life is 30 hr (terminal), renal excretion is 10-15%.

Indications

Dronabinol is primarily indicated in conditions like Anorexia, Nausea and vomiting.

Contraindications

Dronabinol is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity to the drug.

Dosage

Dronabinol's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
5 – 15 mg/m2	—	Every 12h		Antiemetic: 5mg/m2 1-3 hour before chemotherapy,them 5mg/m2 every 2-4 hour after chemotherapy for a total of 4-6 day per days, increase doses in increaments of 2.5mg/m2 to a max 15mg/m2/dose.
11.25 mg	11.25 mg	Every 6h	PO	For Appetilesstimulant: tabe before lunch and dinner.
20 mg	20 mg	Every 6h	PO	For Anorexia: This is imaximum dose.
20 mg	20 mg	Every 24h	PO	For Anorexia: This is imaximum dose.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Dronabinol is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal colic, Anxiety, Ataxia, Confusion, Diarrhea, dizziness, Drowsiness, Dysphoria , Euphoria, Hallucination , Headache, Irritability, Nausea, Orthostatic hypotension, Vomiting , Xerostomia .

Warnings / Precautions

It should be used with caution in patients with cardiac disease because it can precipitate cardiacarrhythmias or angina, in patients with hypertension use with caution in pateint with sizures disorder. Patients with preexisting hypertension orhypotension can experience worsening of their condition if given dronabinol before their bloodpressure is corrected. Patients who are known to be substance abusers or have a history of substance abuse should be given with caution because of the potential for developing physical dependence. Elderly patients are generally more sensitive to the psychoactive effects of drugs and should be treated with caution. Because of its psychoactive potential, dronabinol is not recommended for use in children. It should be used with caution in the treatment of chmotherapy-induced emedidi in children. It is classified as pregnancy category B. Use with caution during pregnancy or lactation only if clearly needed. Pateints are worked not to drive, operate machinery or make judgement decisions.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Dronabinol should be stored Caps.

Drug Classification

1.17.2 — Antiemetics & antinauseants