Granisetron HCl Injection

• Type: Antiemetic (nausea & vomiting prevention)

• Drug Class: 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (serotonin blocker)

• Form: Sterile intravenous (IV) injection

How It Works

• Granisetron HCl blocks 5-HT3 receptors in the vagus nerve endings (gut) and the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain.

• Prevents serotonin from triggering nausea and vomiting during:

  • Chemotherapy

  • Radiotherapy

  • Surgery (postoperative nausea)

Common Uses

Granisetron HCl injection is primarily used to:

• Prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

• Prevent radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV)

• Treat or prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)

Advantages

• Rapid onset of action when given IV

• Provides effective control of acute nausea (within first 24 hours of chemotherapy)

• Can be used as part of combination antiemetic therapy with dexamethasone or NK1 antagonists for severe nausea control

Possible Side Effects

Common:

• Headache

• Constipation

• Mild dizziness or weakness

Less Common but Important:

• QT interval prolongation (monitor in patients with heart rhythm disorders)

• Injection site reactions

• Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions (rare)

Precautions

• Use cautiously in patients with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or prolonged QT interval

• Monitor bowel function in patients prone to constipation

• Adjust dosing in children or elderly as needed