granisetron hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist antiemetic
Main role
Prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Available routes
Film-coated tablets and an intravenous concentrate administered by healthcare professionals
Common effects
Headache and constipation
What is granisetron hydrochloride used for?
Licences differ by formulation.
Tablets: prevention and treatment of acute nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in adults.
Tablets: prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in adults.
Intravenous formulation: chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-related indications in adults, plus prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Intravenous formulation: prevention and treatment of acute chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting in children aged 2 years and over.
How does granisetron hydrochloride work?
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery can trigger serotonin release, activating 5-HT3 receptors in gut-to-brain nerves and brainstem vomiting pathways. Granisetron blocks these receptors, reducing nausea and vomiting signals.
granisetron hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 1 mg/mL
How to take granisetron hydrochloride
Follow the treating team’s instructions.
Swallow film-coated tablets whole with water.
Food does not generally alter tablet availability; follow any meal-related instructions from the treatment team.
The intravenous concentrate is prepared and administered into a vein by a healthcare professional.
granisetron hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Constipation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Diarrhoea
- Changes in liver enzyme blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Serotonin syndrome
- Heart-rhythm or ECG changes, including QT prolongation
- Abnormal involuntary movements or muscle contractions
granisetron hydrochloride in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited. The UK product information advises avoiding granisetron as a precaution, although animal studies did not indicate reproductive harm. A prescriber should assess whether treatment is needed; do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.
granisetron hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether granisetron or its metabolites enter human milk. The selected UK product information advises against breastfeeding during treatment as a precaution. Discuss feeding plans with the prescriber, particularly for a premature or unwell infant.
granisetron hydrochloride interactions
Check the full medication list, including non-prescription and herbal products.
SSRIs and SNRIs
May increase the risk of serotonin syndrome; monitor for characteristic mental, autonomic, gastrointestinal and neuromuscular symptoms.
Buprenorphine and other opioids
Concurrent use may increase the risk of potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Medicines that prolong the QT interval or cause arrhythmias
Effects on cardiac conduction may be additive, particularly with heart disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
Common questions about granisetron hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can granisetron tablets be taken with food?
Food does not generally affect oral availability, but follow the treatment team’s instructions.
Does granisetron cause constipation?
Yes. Constipation is one of its most frequently reported effects and may be important with impaired bowel movement or possible obstruction.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.