Granisetron Hydrochloride and Sodium oxybate

• Generic Name: granisetron
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Kytril, Sustol, Sancuso

Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including high-dose cisplatin.

For prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens (including an anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide), ASCO recommends a 3-drug antiemetic regimen consisting of an NK1 receptor antagonist (e.g., either oral aprepitant or IV fosaprepitant), a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (e.g., dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron, palonosetron), and dexamethasone. ASCO states that fixed-combination netupitant and palonosetron plus dexamethasone is an additional treatment option.

For moderately emetogenic chemotherapy regimens, ASCO recommends a 2-drug antiemetic regimen preferably consisting of palonosetron and dexamethasone. If palonosetron is not available, a first-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (preferably granisetron or ondansetron) may be substituted. Limited evidence suggests that aprepitant may be added to this regimen; in such cases, use of any 5-HT3 receptor antagonist is appropriate.

For chemotherapy regimens with a low emetogenic risk, ASCO recommends administration of a single dose of dexamethasone prior to chemotherapy.

For chemotherapy regimens with minimal emetogenic risk, ASCO states that routine antiemetic administration is not necessary.

Prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Routine prophylaxis not recommended in patients in whom there is little expectation that nausea and/or vomiting will occur postoperatively.

Recommended for patients who, in the clinician’s judgment, must avoid nausea and/or vomiting postoperatively, even when anticipated incidence is low.

Prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with radiation, including total body irradiation and daily fractionated abdominal radiation.

• Generic Name: sodium oxybate
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Xyrem

Sodium oxybate is a central nervous system depressant. It is used to treat cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle strength) and reduce daytime sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy.

Sodium oxybate is also known as GHB, a known street drug of abuse. Because of the potential for abuse and serious side effects, sodium oxybate is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program. Your doctor must be registered in the program in order to prescribe sodium oxybate for you.

Sodium oxybate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.