Kytril Tablets

Generic Name: Granisetron
Product Name: Kytril Tablets

Indication: What Kytril Tablets is used for

In adults, Kytril is used in:

• the prevention nausea and vomiting caused by radiotherapy; and
• the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy.

The injection preparation can also prevent and treat nausea and vomiting when they are caused by radiotherapy and surgery. In children, Kytril is used in:

• the prevention nausea and vomiting caused by radiotherapy; and
• the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy.

For more health information on Kytril tablets visit your local doctor.

Action: How Kytril Tablets works

Granisetron blocks serotonin receptors known as 5HT3-receptors. 5HT3-receptors are found in the neurones (nerve cells) of the gastrointestinal system, and also in the area of the brain that controls vomiting. Chemotherapy agents release serotonin from gut cells, which stimulates these receptors and causes vomiting. Dolasetron’s blockade of the 5HT3-receptors helps prevent and treat this nausea and vomiting.

Dose advice: How to use Kytril Tablets

Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting

Oral (adults):

• 2mg once daily for up to one week following chemotherapy.
• First dose should be administered one hour before starting chemotherapy.

Intravenous (adults):

• 3mg diluted in 20-50ml infusion fluid and infused over five minutes 30 minutes prior to the start of chemotherapy.
• A single dose is usually sufficient to control nausea and vomiting for 24 hours.
• 1mg can be administered as a five minute infusion to treat established nausea and vomiting.
• Further 1mg doses can be administered 10 minutes apart if necessary.
• Maximum dose is 9mg/24hours.

Intravenous (children):

• 20-40mcg/kg.
• Up to a maximum of 3g daily.
• Dilute in 10-30ml infusion fluid and infuse over 5 minutes.
• Should be administered no more than 30 minutes prior to start of chemotherapy.

Radiotherapy induced nausea and vomiting

Intravenous (adults):

• 3mg diluted in 20-50ml infusion fluid and infused over five minutes 30 minutes prior to the start of radiotherapy.
• 2mg tablet given 1 hour before radiotherapy

Postoperative nausea and vomiting

Intravenous (adults):

• 1mg should be administered as a 30 second injection prior to induction of anaesthesia.
• This dose is also appropriate for established nausea and vomiting in postoperative patients.
• Maximum daily dose is 3mg.

Combination with corticosteroid

The efficacy of Kytril can be increased by combination with a corticosteroid:

• Dexamethasone 8-20mg prior to start of cytotoxic therapy.
• Or methylprednisolone 250mg prior to start of chemotherapy and again at the end.

Preparation: Kytril can be diluted with the following intravenous solutions:

• Sodium chloride 0.9%.
• Sodium chloride 0.18%.
• Glucose 4%.
• Glucose 5%.
• Hartmanns solution.
• Sodium lactate 1.85%.
• Mannitol.

Once prepared, solutions should be used immediately or within 24 hours. Kytril solution should not be mixed with any other drugs except dexamethasone sodium phosphate.

Schedule of Kytril Tablets

S4

Side effects of Kytril Tablets

Common side effects

Kytril is generally well tolerated. The following adverse effects have been observed:

• Headache.
• Constipation.
• General weakness.
• Diarrhoea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Fever.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Changes in liver enzymes.
• Agitation.
• Anxiety.
• Skin rash.
• Taste disorder.

Uncommon side effects

• Allergic reactions.
• Decreased blood pressure.
• Changes in heart rhythm.
• Slowed heart rate.
• Fainting.
• Hair loss.

References

1. Mayne Pharma Pty Ltd. Kytril Product Information. Mayne Pharma; Melbourne: 2005.
2. MIMS Australia Pty Ltd [online]. Kytril. MediMedia; NSW: 2005.

For further information talk to your doctor.