Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Dronabinol is a synthetic form of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It is FDA-approved for two conditions: HIV/AIDS-related anorexia with weight loss and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients who haven't responded to conventional antiemetics.
Dronabinol is sold under the brand name Marinol and is also available as a generic. It works by stimulating appetite and reducing nausea, helping patients maintain weight and tolerate cancer treatment. It is sometimes used off-label for chronic pain, PTSD-related insomnia, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Dronabinol acts as a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the body. CB1 receptors are found throughout the brain — in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. When activated, these receptors generally reduce neuronal excitation.
The anti-emetic effect (reducing nausea and vomiting) and appetite stimulation are primarily mediated through CB1 receptor activation. For appetite, Dronabinol is typically taken at 2.5 mg twice daily before meals. For chemotherapy-related nausea, doses of 5 mg are given 1–3 hours before chemotherapy, with additional doses every 2–4 hours as needed.
Dronabinol capsules are soft gelatin capsules containing the drug in sesame oil. The oral solution (Syndros, 5 mg/mL) has been discontinued from the market. Both brand-name Marinol and generic versions are available in capsule form.
Dronabinol can be moderately difficult to find. As a Schedule III controlled substance, not all pharmacies keep it routinely stocked. A supply shortage occurred between December 2023 and February 2024, and intermittent supply issues have been reported since. The oral solution form (Syndros) has been discontinued entirely. While generic capsules are available from several manufacturers including Camber Pharmaceuticals and Par Pharmaceutical, availability can vary significantly by region. Patients may need to call multiple pharmacies or use Medfinder to locate stock near them.
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Several types of healthcare providers commonly prescribe Dronabinol:
Because Dronabinol is a controlled substance, any prescribing provider must have a valid DEA registration. Note that Dronabinol is not available via telehealth — an in-person visit is typically required.
Yes. Dronabinol capsules (Marinol and generics) are classified as DEA Schedule III, meaning they have moderate potential for abuse and dependence. The oral solution form (Syndros, now discontinued) was classified as Schedule II due to its higher concentration.
As a controlled substance, Dronabinol prescriptions have restrictions: they may require special prescription handling, pharmacies may have limited stock, and refill policies are stricter than for non-controlled medications. Patients should plan ahead and allow extra time when filling or refilling their prescription.
Serious side effects can include neuropsychiatric reactions (psychosis, mania), hemodynamic instability (blood pressure changes, fainting, rapid heart rate), seizures, and hypersensitivity reactions. Elderly patients are generally more sensitive to these effects and may need lower starting doses.
Alcohol and high-fat meals may also increase Dronabinol's effects. Always inform your prescriber about all medications, supplements, and substances you are taking.
Dronabinol is an important medication for patients dealing with HIV/AIDS-related weight loss and chemotherapy-induced nausea when other treatments haven't worked. While generic versions are available, its controlled substance status and intermittent supply issues can make it challenging to find in stock. Patients should plan ahead for refills, consider using Medfinder to locate pharmacies with stock, and explore discount programs like GoodRx or SingleCare to reduce costs — generic capsules can be found for as low as $68 for a month's supply with coupons. If you're having trouble finding Dronabinol, talk to your doctor about alternatives like Ondansetron for nausea or Megestrol for appetite stimulation.
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