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Writer's pictureTeresa Mendoza, PharmD

Med of the Week: Dronabinol



Dronabinol feature synthetic THC and person with nausea

Dronabinol, a man-made form of cannabis, may be used to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting or increase appetite in patients with AIDS. Here are some things you may be surprised to learn about Dronabinol:


Generic Name: Dronabinol

Brand Name(s): Marinol, Syndros

Pronunciation: droe NAH bih nol


About this drug:

  • Dronabinol is a synthetic THC cannabinoid that may be used to treat loss of appetite and weight loss in patients with AIDS known as wasting syndrome.

  • It may also used to treat nausea and vomiting side effects when patients receive cancer chemotherapy and have failed other antiemetic treatments.


Dentistry-related tidbits:

  • Remind patients not to drive or engage in activities requiring alertness until they know how this medication affects them as it may cause dizziness and drowsiness.

  • Alcohol should be avoided to prevent an increased risk of dizziness and drowsiness.

  • Monitor blood pressure when administering Articaine, Bupivacaine, Lidocaine, Mepivacaine, or Ropivacaine to a patient taking Dronabinol as the combination may increase the risk of hypotension and orthostasis.

  • Exercise caution when prescribing narcotics, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, or any other sedating medication in combination with this medication to avoid an increased risk of CNS and respiratory depression, severe hypotension, syncope, or diminished psychomotor function.

  • The nitroimidazole antibiotic Metronidazole in combination with Dronabinol may increase the risk of having an Alcohol-Disulfiram reaction. Dronabinol may be taken 3 days after antibiotic treatment is completed.

  • NSAIDs and steroids in combination with Dronabinol may increase the risk of hypertension.

  • The macrolide antibiotic Clarithromycin and antifungals in combination with Dronabinol may increase Dronabinol levels and side effects. Before prescribing any medication, use the Rx Check tool to prevent potential drug interactions or adverse effects.


Fun facts:

  • Dronabinol binds to cannabinoid receptors in neural tissues resulting in CNS depression.

  • Patients with a sesame oil allergy should not use Dronabinol since this medication is formulated with sesame oil.

  • This medication may cause new or increased symptoms of mental illness in patients who already have mental health problems such as mania, depression, or schizophrenia.

  • Although Dronabinol may have some properties like Marijuana, Marijuana is a schedule I controlled substance while the brand Marinol is a schedule II controlled substance and the brand Syndros is a schedule III controlled substance.


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