Kytril Tablets (Granisetron Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Kytril Tablets Used For?
Kytril contains granisetron, which belongs to a group of medicines called anti-emetics. It works to prevent nausea and vomiting, especially when you’re receiving medical treatments that commonly cause these side effects.
Primary Uses
Kytril is used to stop you from feeling sick (nauseous) or being sick (vomiting). It is especially useful when you need medical treatment that may cause nausea and vomiting, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
How It Works
Kytril belongs to a group of medicines called anti-emetics that work to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Kytril Tablets
Follow all directions given by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water – do not crush or chew them.
Dosage Instructions
For chemotherapy patients: The usual adult dose is one 2 mg tablet once a day, taken within 1 hour before the start of chemotherapy, and then daily for up to one week following chemotherapy. For radiotherapy patients: The usual adult dose is one 2 mg tablet taken within 1 hour before the start of radiotherapy. Take your medicine at about the same time each day for best effect. It doesn’t matter if you take it before or after food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking your medicine as normal.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- dizziness or light headedness
- nervousness
- drowsiness
- difficulty sleeping
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- altered taste
- fever
- skin rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- chest pain
- changes in heart beat
- severe dizziness or fainting
- seizures
- symptoms of serotonin syndrome (fever, sweating, fast heartbeat, agitation or confusion, loss of muscle coordination, which may lead to loss of consciousness)
- allergic reaction symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts, rash, itching or hives)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Kytril should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Kytril Tablets
Do not take Kytril if you have an allergy to any medicine containing granisetron or any of the ingredients in the tablets. Do not take if the medicine has expired or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: allergies to other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes; had allergic reactions to other anti-nausea medicines like ondansetron and tropisetron; severe constipation; used Kytril before and became unwell; a heart condition related to changes in heart rhythm or rate; intolerance to lactose or galactose or problems absorbing glucose or galactose.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of taking Kytril during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Kytril or affect how well it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Phenobarbitone (used to treat epilepsy)
- Medicines that affect serotonin levels including some antibiotics
- Medicines used to treat depression
- Medicines that treat or prevent pain
- Some medicines to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Medicines to treat obesity
- Medicines used to treat attention hyperactivity disorder
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with alcohol and driving while taking Kytril, as it may affect your ability to perform these activities safely.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Kytril. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you drink. If you drink alcohol, dizziness or light-headedness may be worse.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Kytril affects you.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the original pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store in a bathroom, near a sink, in a car, or on window sills, as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep where children cannot reach them – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Kytril, immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) for advice, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning, as you may need urgent medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kytril should be taken within 1 hour before chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment begins to prevent nausea and vomiting effectively.
Yes, it doesn’t matter if you take Kytril before or after food. Take it with a full glass of water and swallow the tablet whole.
No, Kytril is not addictive according to the medication information.
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Kytril. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you drink, as alcohol may make dizziness or light-headedness worse.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Continue taking Kytril for as long as your doctor tells you. For chemotherapy patients, this is typically daily for up to one week following treatment.
No, you should swallow Kytril tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.