nabilone
Nausea, Vomiting
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Cannabinoid
Controlled Drug Substance
YES
nabilone
Summary
Nabilone is used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, which is a treatment for cancer that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually prescribed when other treatments have not been effective.
Nabilone works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are parts of the brain that help control nausea and vomiting. It acts like a key fitting into a lock, blocking signals that cause these symptoms.
Nabilone is usually taken as a capsule, which is a small, round container filled with medicine. The starting dose for adults is typically 1 mg taken twice daily, and the maximum dose is 6 mg per day. It should be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
Common side effects of nabilone include dizziness, which is a feeling of being unsteady, drowsiness, which is feeling very sleepy, and dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. These effects are usually mild and temporary.
Nabilone can cause dizziness or drowsiness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcohol, which can increase these effects. It may cause mood changes, like anxiety. Do not use if allergic to nabilone or if you have a history of psychosis, which is a mental disorder causing a disconnection from reality.
Indications and Purpose
How does nabilone work?
Nabilone works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which helps reduce nausea and vomiting. Think of it like a key fitting into a lock, where nabilone is the key that fits into the brain's receptors, helping to block the signals that cause nausea. This makes it effective for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Is nabilone effective?
Nabilone is effective for treating nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which helps reduce these symptoms. Clinical studies show nabilone significantly improves nausea and vomiting control in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Always follow your doctor's instructions for the best results.
What is nabilone?
Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which helps reduce these symptoms. Nabilone is usually used when other treatments have not been effective. It is taken as a capsule and should be used under a doctor's supervision.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take nabilone?
Nabilone is usually taken short-term for managing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. The duration of use depends on your specific treatment plan and how your body responds. Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding how long to take nabilone. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor, as they will guide you on the appropriate duration.
How do I dispose of nabilone?
Dispose of unused nabilone by taking it to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw it in the trash at home. First, mix it with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.
How do I take nabilone?
Take nabilone as prescribed by your doctor. It's usually taken once or twice daily, with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole; do not crush or chew it. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Avoid taking two doses at once. Follow your doctor's specific advice about diet and fluid intake while taking this medication.
How long does it take for nabilone to start working?
Nabilone usually starts working within 1 to 2 hours after taking it. The full therapeutic effect may take a few doses to become noticeable. Individual factors like metabolism and overall health can affect how quickly nabilone works. Take it exactly as prescribed for the best results. If you have concerns about how quickly it's working, talk with your doctor.
How should I store nabilone?
Store nabilone at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it in a tightly closed container to protect it from damage. Avoid storing it in humid places like bathrooms. Always keep nabilone out of children's reach to prevent accidental ingestion. Check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication.
What is the usual dose of nabilone?
The usual starting dose of nabilone for adults is 1 mg taken twice daily. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your response and needs. The maximum recommended dose is 6 mg per day. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs. Nabilone is not typically used in children or the elderly without careful monitoring.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take nabilone with other prescription drugs?
Nabilone can interact with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as sedatives or alcohol, increasing the risk of side effects. It may also interact with medications that affect mood or mental health. Always inform your doctor about all the medications you take to prevent interactions and ensure your treatment is safe and effective.
Can nabilone be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Nabilone is not recommended while breastfeeding. There's limited information on whether it passes into human breast milk. Animal studies suggest it may appear in milk, raising concerns for the baby's development. If you're taking nabilone and want to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about safer medication options.
Can nabilone be taken safely while pregnant?
Nabilone is not recommended during pregnancy due to limited evidence on its safety. Animal studies suggest potential risks, but human data is lacking. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safest way to manage your symptoms. Your doctor can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan.
Does nabilone have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common adverse effects of nabilone include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. These effects are usually mild. Serious side effects, like confusion or hallucinations, are rare but require immediate medical attention. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. They can help determine if these symptoms are related to nabilone.
Does nabilone have any safety warnings?
Nabilone has important safety warnings. It can cause dizziness or drowsiness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcohol, as it can increase these effects. Nabilone may also cause changes in mood or behavior. If you experience severe side effects like confusion or hallucinations, contact your doctor immediately. Always follow your doctor's instructions and report any unusual symptoms.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking nabilone?
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking nabilone. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. These effects can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. If you choose to drink occasionally, limit your alcohol intake and watch for warning signs like increased dizziness or confusion. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking nabilone.
Is it safe to exercise while taking nabilone?
You can exercise while taking nabilone, but be cautious. Nabilone can cause dizziness or drowsiness, which might affect your balance during physical activity. To exercise safely, start with light activities and see how your body responds. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, stop exercising and rest. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your specific situation.
Is it safe to stop nabilone?
Stopping nabilone suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, or insomnia. If you need to stop taking nabilone, your doctor may suggest gradually reducing your dose to minimize withdrawal effects. Always talk with your doctor before stopping nabilone to ensure a safe and effective transition.
Is nabilone addictive?
Nabilone can be habit-forming, as it is a synthetic cannabinoid. It may cause psychological dependence in some individuals. Signs of dependence include cravings or using more than prescribed. To prevent dependence, use nabilone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you have concerns about addiction, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Is nabilone safe for the elderly?
Elderly individuals are more vulnerable to the side effects of nabilone, such as dizziness and drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falls. Nabilone should be used with caution in the elderly, and they should be closely monitored for adverse effects. Always consult a doctor before starting nabilone in elderly patients.
What are the most common side effects of nabilone?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. Common side effects of nabilone include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. These effects vary from person to person and are usually mild. If you notice new symptoms after starting nabilone, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Who should avoid taking nabilone?
Don't take nabilone if you're allergic to it or its ingredients. It's not recommended for people with a history of psychosis, which is a mental disorder causing a disconnection from reality. Caution is needed for those with a history of substance abuse. Always consult your doctor about these concerns before starting nabilone.
