Kytril

Kytril is a prescription drug that is used for preventing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or radiation. It comes in tablet form and is generally taken an hour before radiation or chemotherapy. An injectable form is also available to prevent nausea and vomiting due to surgery or chemotherapy. While most people tolerate Kytril well, possible side effects of the medicine include constipation, diarrhea, and headache.

 

What Is Kytril?

Kytril® (granisetron hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to the following causes:
 
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation.
     
Kytril comes in tablet form. An injectable form of Kytril is also available for the prevention of nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy or surgery.
 
(Click Kytril Uses for more information on what Kytril is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Kytril?

Kytril is made by Roche Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Kytril Work?

Nausea and vomiting are complex processes involving many chemicals in the body and several parts of the body, including the brain and the small intestine. It is likely that Kytril works in the small intestine, but it may also work in the brain.
 
Kytril works by blocking serotonin, a chemical produced by the body that is associated with nausea and vomiting. Serotonin has many effects in the body and has several receptors where it can bind. Kytril blocks serotonin at a specific type of receptor (the 5-HT3 receptor), which is important for nausea and vomiting. It has no effects on other types of serotonin receptors in the body.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;