dronabinol - oral, Marinol

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GENERIC NAME: DRONABINOL - ORAL (dro-NAB-in-all)

BRAND NAME(S): Marinol

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

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: 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.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.