Common uses
This medicine is an anti-emetic agent, used to prevent nausea and vomiting, caused by cancer chemotherapy and radiation. It works by blocking one of the body's chemicals, called serotonin, that can cause vomiting. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Before taking Kytril, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have and about any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, that you take. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Kytril is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Kytril without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether Kytril passes into breast milk. Do not take Kytril without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Directions
Take Kytril exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.
To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of Kytril with a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Kytril can be taken with or without food.
Store Kytril at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Cautions
Use this medicine only on the days that you take your cancer treatment, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you continue to experience moderate to severe nausea or vomiting while using this medicine, check with your doctor. This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit alcoholic beverages while using this medicine. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
Diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, weakness, headache, fever, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, and anxiety may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, unusual muscle movements or stiffness. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take too much
Seek emergency medical attention.
The only known symptom of a Kytril overdose is headache.
Additional information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Drug interactions
Kytril has not been reported to interact with other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with Kytril.
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