Dronabinol, THC capsules
Dronabinol, THC capsules
What is this medicine?
DRONABINOL (droe NAB i nol) is used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment, especially for those patients who do not respond to other medicines. This medicine is also used to increase appetite in AIDS patients.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
hallucinations
panic reactions
seizures
slurred speech
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
anxiety or nervousness
confusion
dizziness
nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
stomach upset
tiredness
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
nabilone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol-containing medicines or drinks
amphetamine or other stimulant drugs
antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
atropine
barbiturates such as phenobarbital
certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
certain medicines for depression, like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
certain medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine
certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
cocaine
disulfiram
general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
ipratropium
lithium
local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
medicines that relax muscles for surgery
narcotic medicines for pain
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
theophylline
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
Store in a cool place between 8 and 15 degrees C (46 and 59 degrees F) or in a refrigerator. Avoid freezing. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
a history of drug or alcohol abuse
heart disease, including angina or irregular heart rate
high or low blood pressure
dizziness or fainting spells on standing
mental health problems (schizophrenia, mania, depression)
seizures
an unusual or allergic reaction to dronabinol, marijuana, sesame oil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
The first time you take this medicine or have an increase in dose make sure there is a responsible person nearby. You may experience mood changes, easy laughter, or other changes in behavior.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you have low blood pressure or if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are taking this medicine to improve your appetite, this is only part of your therapy. Discuss what you can eat and ways of improving your diet with your health care professional or nutritionist. Frequent small snacks as well as regular meals can help provide extra calories and protein.
Do not smoke marijuana while you are taking this medicine. It is similar to one of the active substances found in marijuana. You are at increased risk of serious heart and/or nervous system side effects if these drugs are used together.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018