Kytril (granisetron hydrochloride) is a potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonist specifically formulated for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and postoperative conditions. Developed through rigorous clinical research, it represents a critical advancement in supportive oncology care, offering reliable antiemetic protection that helps patients better tolerate aggressive treatment regimens. Its targeted mechanism and favorable pharmacokinetic profile make it a cornerstone therapy in modern antiemetic protocols.

Features

• Contains granisetron hydrochloride as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
• Available in multiple formulations: intravenous injection, oral tablets, and oral solution
• Exhibits high selectivity for 5-HT3 receptors with minimal affinity for other receptor types
• Demonstrates rapid onset of action with effects typically beginning within minutes of IV administration
• Features predictable linear pharmacokinetics across therapeutic doses
• Maintains antiemetic efficacy for up to 24 hours following single-dose administration

Benefits

• Provides superior control of acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting compared to conventional antiemetics
• Enables patients to maintain nutritional intake and hydration during cancer treatment
• Reduces the need for rescue antiemetic medications and associated side effects
• Supports completion of prescribed chemotherapy regimens by managing treatment-limiting nausea
• Minimizes the psychological distress associated with anticipatory nausea and vomiting
• Offers flexible administration routes to accommodate different clinical scenarios and patient preferences

Common use

Kytril is primarily indicated for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including high-dose cisplatin regimens. It is also used for prevention of nausea and vomiting following radiotherapy and postoperative nausea and vomiting. The medication is commonly administered in oncology clinics, hospital settings, and increasingly in outpatient cancer care programs. Clinical use typically involves administration prior to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, with repeat dosing as necessary based on the emetogenic potential of the treatment and individual patient response.

Dosage and direction

Intravenous administration: The recommended dose is 10 mcg/kg administered within 30 minutes before chemotherapy as a single intravenous injection over 30 seconds, or diluted in 20-50 mL of compatible IV fluid and infused over 5 minutes.

Oral administration: The standard adult dose is 2 mg once daily or 1 mg twice daily, with the first dose administered up to 1 hour before chemotherapy.

Dosage adjustments may be necessary for elderly patients or those with hepatic impairment. For postoperative nausea and vomiting, a single IV dose of 1 mg may be administered before induction of anesthesia or postoperatively.

Precautions

Patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists should use Kytril with caution. Electrocardiographic monitoring is recommended in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions, electrolyte abnormalities, or those taking concomitant medications that prolong the QT interval. Use during pregnancy should be limited to situations where the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment with Kytril. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have been established for children 2 years and older.

Contraindications

Kytril is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to granisetron or any component of the formulation. It should not be administered to patients with congenital long QT syndrome or those with demonstrated clinically significant QT prolongation. Concomitant use with apomorphine is contraindicated due to the potential for profound hypotension and loss of consciousness.

Possible side effect

The most commonly reported adverse reactions include headache (20-21%), constipation (14-18%), asthenia (14-18%), diarrhea (8-13%), and abdominal pain (6-9%). Less frequent side effects may include elevations in liver enzymes, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, and fever. Serious but rare adverse events include QT interval prolongation, serotonin syndrome (particularly when used with other serotonergic drugs), and anaphylactic reactions. Transient increases in blood pressure, usually not requiring treatment, have been observed following IV administration.

Drug interaction

Kytril may interact with drugs that affect hepatic enzyme activity, particularly CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors. Concomitant use with other serotonergic drugs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Drugs that prolong the QT interval (antiarrhythmics, certain antibiotics, antipsychotics) may have additive effects on cardiac repolarization. Kytril may reduce the efficacy of tramadol due to antagonism of its serotonergic effects. No clinically significant interactions have been observed with emetogenic cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Missed dose

If a scheduled dose is missed prior to chemotherapy, it should be administered as soon as possible. If vomiting occurs after oral administration, the dose should not be repeated as absorption may be incomplete. For scheduled maintenance dosing, if a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed administration.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include severe headache, dizziness, constipation, and visual disturbances. There is no specific antidote for granisetron overdose. Treatment should consist of general supportive measures, including monitoring of vital signs and ECG. Hemodialysis is unlikely to be effective due to the extensive protein binding and large volume of distribution of granisetron. Cases of overdose should be reported to poison control centers for appropriate management guidance.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F), with excursions permitted between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the medication in its original container. Do not freeze the intravenous formulation. Oral solutions should be used within 5 days of opening. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use if the solution appears discolored or contains particulate matter.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances. The prescribing physician should be consulted for complete information regarding indications, dosage, warnings, and precautions. Patients should not alter their medication regimen without consulting their healthcare provider.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate that Kytril provides complete control of acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in 65-75% of patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Oncology specialists consistently rate it as a first-line option for antiemetic prophylaxis. Patients report significantly improved quality of life during chemotherapy when using Kytril compared to older antiemetic regimens. The intravenous formulation is particularly noted for its rapid onset and reliability in inpatient settings, while the oral forms provide convenient outpatient management. Long-term safety data support its use in multiple chemotherapy cycles.