Kytril Injection (Granisetron Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick 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 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.
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.
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How to Take Kytril Injection
Kytril injection is administered by healthcare professionals in a medical setting and cannot be self-administered.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will decide what dose you will receive based on your condition and other factors, such as your weight. 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.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since this medication is given by healthcare professionals in a medical setting, missed doses are not applicable.
Important: This injection must only be given by a qualified nurse or doctor in a medical facility.
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 and loss of muscle coordination, which may lead to loss of consciousness)
- Symptoms of allergic reaction (shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of face, lips, tongue or other parts of body; rash, itching or hives on skin)
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 Kytril. Symptoms of an allergic reaction 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 with you the risks and benefits of using Kytril while you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while being treated with Kytril.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Kytril. Always tell your doctor about all medications you are 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
Kytril may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, and alcohol may worsen certain side effects.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol while you are being given Kytril. Your doctor may suggest that you avoid alcohol or reduce the amount of alcohol you drink while receiving Kytril. 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
Kytril ampoules for injection will be stored in the pharmacy or on the 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 to you in a hospital under the supervision of your doctor, it is very unlikely that you will receive an overdose. However, if you experience severe side effects, tell your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include the side effects listed in the side effects section but are usually of a more severe nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source does not specify how quickly Kytril works, but as an injection given directly into the vein, it would typically work faster than oral medications. Your doctor can provide more specific timing information.
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 skin rash/itching/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 must tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while being treated.
You should tell your doctor if you have any heart condition related to changes in the rhythm or rate of your heartbeat before receiving Kytril injection.
Yes, Kytril can interact with several medications including phenobarbitone, medicines affecting serotonin levels, antidepressants, pain medications, Parkinson’s disease treatments, obesity medications, and ADHD treatments. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
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.