Dronabinol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & THC Medication Guide

Summary of Key Points

Dronabinol is a prescription medication containing THC, primarily used to treat nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite in patients with conditions such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. It works by interacting with the brain to alleviate these symptoms. In some cases, Dronabinol is also prescribed for chronic pain and anxiety. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your dose. You can schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers for personalized guidance.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Marinol

Generic Name: Dronabinol

The generic name refers to the active ingredient, while the brand name is the name given by the manufacturer. In this article, the generic name will be used in parentheses for clarity.

Pharmacologic Category

Category: Cannabinoid

Dronabinol belongs to the cannabinoid class of medications, which act on cannabinoid receptors in the brain to help manage symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.

Dronabinol Dosage

Dronabinol is prescribed for various conditions, and the dosage may differ depending on the condition being treated. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them before making any changes to your dose. You can also reach out to one of our telemedicine providers for further advice.

Dronabinol for Nausea and Vomiting Due to Chemotherapy

Initial Dose: 5 mg/m² taken 1 to 3 hours before chemotherapy, followed by doses every 2 to 4 hours after chemotherapy, up to 4 to 6 doses per day.

Maintenance Dose: May be increased to 10 mg/m² if well tolerated.

Duration: Continue as long as necessary to control symptoms.

Dronabinol for Appetite Stimulation in HIV/AIDS

Initial Dose: 2.5 mg twice daily, taken before lunch and dinner.

Maintenance Dose: May be increased to 2.5 mg before lunch and 5 mg before dinner if tolerated.

Duration: Continue as needed to manage appetite and maintain weight.

Dronabinol for Chronic Pain

Initial Dose: 2.5 mg twice daily.

Maintenance Dose: May be gradually increased based on response and tolerance.

Duration: Continue as needed for pain relief.

Dronabinol for Anxiety and Insomnia

Initial Dose: 2.5 mg once or twice daily.

Maintenance Dose: Can be adjusted based on individual response.

Duration: Use as needed to manage symptoms.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Capsules: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Oral Solution: 5 mg/mL

Administration Instructions

Dronabinol should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is typically taken by mouth, either as a capsule or an oral solution. If using the oral solution, carefully measure the dose with the provided device. Take the medication with a full glass of water. If you experience stomach discomfort, taking it with food may help. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Dronabinol affects you, as it may cause dizziness or drowsiness.

Dronabinol Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Like all medications, Dronabinol may cause side effects. Some are more common, while others are rare but potentially serious. If you experience any side effects, contact your healthcare provider or schedule a telemedicine visit for further evaluation.

Common Side Effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, feeling “high,” confusion, and stomach upset.

Less Common Side Effects: Euphoria, paranoia, abnormal thoughts, and hallucinations.

Serious Side Effects: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, severe mood changes, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

Contraindications for Dronabinol

A contraindication is a specific condition or situation where a medication should not be used because it may cause harm. If you have any of the following conditions, you should not take Dronabinol, or you should discuss these risks with your healthcare provider before starting the medication.

Allergy to Dronabinol or sesame oil: If you have a known allergy to Dronabinol or any of its ingredients, including sesame oil, taking this medication could trigger a severe allergic reaction, which may include symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

History of substance abuse: Dronabinol is a synthetic form of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, taking Dronabinol may increase the risk of misuse or dependency.

Severe mental health conditions: If you have a history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other severe psychiatric conditions, Dronabinol may exacerbate symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, or mood swings.

Heart disease: Dronabinol can raise heart rate and blood pressure, which may be harmful for individuals with heart conditions such as arrhythmias, hypertension, or coronary artery disease.

Drug-to-Drug Interactions

Certain medications can interact with Dronabinol, potentially increasing side effects or reducing the effectiveness of one or both drugs. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products. Below are some common medications that may interact with Dronabinol:

1. Warfarin (Coumadin): Dronabinol may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners like Warfarin.
2. Diazepam (Valium): Both Dronabinol and Diazepam are central nervous system depressants, and taking them together may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
3. Fluoxetine (Prozac): Combining Dronabinol with antidepressants like Fluoxetine may heighten the risk of mood changes or anxiety.
4. Metoprolol (Lopressor): Dronabinol may raise heart rate, which can interfere with medications like Metoprolol that are used to control heart rate and blood pressure.
5. Opioids (e.g., Morphine, Oxycodone): Taking Dronabinol with opioids can increase the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose.

Dronabinol in Pregnancy

Is it Safe to Take Dronabinol When Pregnant?

Dronabinol is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Although human studies are limited, animal research suggests it may negatively impact fetal development. Additionally, Dronabinol use during pregnancy could increase the risk of complications such as low birth weight or preterm labor. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider to discuss safer alternatives that prioritize both your health and your baby’s well-being.

Dronabinol While Breastfeeding

Is it Safe to Take Dronabinol While Breastfeeding?

Dronabinol is also not recommended while breastfeeding. The active ingredient, THC, can be passed to your baby through breast milk, potentially affecting brain development and leading to long-term cognitive or behavioral issues. If you are breastfeeding, speak with your healthcare provider to explore safer options that won’t pose a risk to your child.

Estimated Cost of Dronabinol Medication

The cost of a 30-day supply of Dronabinol can vary depending on the dosage and the pharmacy you use. Without insurance, and with the help of a GoodRX coupon, the price typically ranges from $150 to $300. Since prices can fluctuate, it’s a good idea to check with your pharmacy or use a coupon service like GoodRX to find the most affordable option for your prescription.

Possible Alternatives to Dronabinol

Depending on your condition, there may be alternative medications or lifestyle changes that can help manage your symptoms. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. You can also schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers to discuss these options in more detail.

Nausea and Vomiting

For nausea and vomiting, alternatives to Dronabinol include medications like Ondansetron (Zofran) or Promethazine (Phenergan). Additionally, dietary adjustments—such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods—may help alleviate symptoms.

Anorexia

For appetite stimulation, Megestrol acetate (Megace) is a potential alternative. Nutritional counseling and high-calorie supplements may also be beneficial in managing anorexia.

HIV/AIDS

In patients with HIV/AIDS, medications like Megestrol or Mirtazapine (Remeron) may help with weight gain and appetite stimulation. A balanced diet and regular exercise can further support overall health and well-being.

Cancer

For chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, alternatives to Dronabinol include Aprepitant (Emend) or Olanzapine (Zyprexa). Non-medication approaches, such as acupuncture and relaxation techniques, may also help manage these symptoms.

Multiple Sclerosis

For muscle spasms related to multiple sclerosis, muscle relaxants like Baclofen or Tizanidine (Zanaflex) may provide relief. Physical therapy and regular stretching exercises can also improve mobility and reduce discomfort.

Chronic Pain

For chronic pain, non-opioid pain relievers such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDs like Ibuprofen (Advil) may serve as alternatives to Dronabinol. Physical therapy, acupuncture, and mindfulness techniques can also be effective in managing chronic pain.

Epilepsy

For epilepsy, anti-seizure medications like Levetiracetam (Keppra) or Lamotrigine (Lamictal) are commonly prescribed. In some cases, a ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce the frequency of seizures.

Insomnia

For insomnia, medications such as Melatonin or Zolpidem (Ambien) may help improve sleep. Additionally, practicing good sleep hygiene—such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a calming bedtime routine—can enhance sleep quality.

Anxiety

For anxiety, alternatives to Dronabinol include medications like Sertraline (Zoloft) or Escitalopram (Lexapro). Non-medication approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness meditation, may also help reduce anxiety symptoms.

Recent Updates on Dronabinol Research

Recent studies have explored Dronabinol’s potential benefits for managing chronic pain, particularly in patients with conditions like fibromyalgia and neuropathy. Some research suggests that Dronabinol may provide pain relief with fewer side effects compared to traditional opioids. Additionally, ongoing studies are investigating its use in treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits and to better understand the long-term effects of Dronabinol use.

As new research emerges, staying informed is crucial. If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider. If you’re interested in learning more about Dronabinol or exploring alternative treatment options, consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers today.

James Kingsley

Learn More