Kytril Injection (Granisetron Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Kytril Injection Used For?
Kytril Injection contains granisetron, which belongs to a group of medicines called anti-emetics. It is specifically designed to prevent nausea and vomiting.
Primary Uses
Kytril is given to stop you from feeling sick (nauseous) or being sick (vomiting). It is especially useful when you need medical treatment that may cause nausea or vomiting, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Kytril Injection
Kytril injection is administered by healthcare professionals in a medical setting and cannot be self-administered.
Administration Method
Kytril injection is given as a fast or slow injection into a vein (intravenous ‘drip’). It must only be given by a nurse or doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose you will receive based on your condition and other factors, such as your weight.
Important: This medication can only be administered by qualified healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinical setting.
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 important safety considerations before receiving Kytril injection that you should discuss with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Kytril Injection
You must not be given Kytril if you have an allergy to any medicine containing granisetron or any of the ingredients in the injection. Allergic reaction symptoms may include shortness of breath, wheezing or breathing difficulty, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes; have had allergic reactions to other anti-nausea medicines like ondansetron and tropisetron; have severe constipation; have been given Kytril before and became unwell; or have a heart condition related to changes in heart rhythm or rate.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of using Kytril during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while being treated with Kytril.
Drug Interactions
Kytril may interact with other medications, so it’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.
Important: Do not take any other medicines, whether prescription or over-the-counter, without first telling your doctor.
- Phenobarbitone (used to treat epilepsy) – may affect how well Kytril works
- 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
Kytril may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, and alcohol can worsen certain side effects.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol while receiving 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, as it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other side effects that could impair your abilities.
Storage
Kytril ampoules for injection will be stored in the pharmacy or on the hospital ward. The ampoules are kept in a cool, dry place, protected from light where the temperature stays below 30°C.
Overdose Information
Since Kytril is given in a hospital under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you experience severe side effects, tell your doctor immediately. Overdose symptoms may include the side effects listed but are usually more severe in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source material does not specify the onset time for Kytril injection. Your healthcare provider can give you more specific information about when to expect relief from nausea and vomiting.
No, Kytril is not addictive according to the medication information.
You should be careful when drinking alcohol while receiving Kytril. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you drink, as alcohol can make dizziness or light-headedness worse.
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts, rash, itching or hives, tell your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of using Kytril during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while being treated with Kytril.
If you have been given Kytril before and became unwell, tell your doctor. You may need to be given another medicine instead.
Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition related to changes in heart rhythm or rate before receiving Kytril. Serious side effects can include chest pain and changes in heart beat, which require immediate medical attention.
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.