Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The display and use of drug information on this site is subject to express terms of use (click here). By continuing to view the drug information, you agree to abide such terms of use.

Dronabinol Oral Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: DRONABINOL - ORAL
Pronounced: (dro-NAB-in-all)

Dronabinol Oral Uses

This medication is used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. It is used when other drugs to control nausea and vomiting have not been successful. Dronabinol is also used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in patients infected with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). Dronabinol (also called THC) is a man-made form of the active natural substance in marijuana.

How To Use Dronabinol Oral

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you are taking this medication to control nausea and vomiting, your dose is also based on your body size.

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your risk of serious side effects may be increased. If you are taking dronabinol to stimulate appetite (for AIDS patients), do not take more than 20 milligrams per day unless approved by your doctor.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, trouble sleeping, restlessness, hot flashes, and diarrhea) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Although it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.

Inform your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised November 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.