Comprehensive medication guide to Dronabinol including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$10–$50 copay; generic is generally covered but prior authorization is commonly required.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$250–$900+ per month retail without insurance; as low as $68–$83 for 60 capsules with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons.
Medfinder Findability Score
35/100
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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.
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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.
2.5 mg capsules
Most common starting dose for appetite stimulation
5 mg capsules
Standard dose for chemotherapy-induced nausea
10 mg capsules
Higher dose for patients who need more symptom control
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.
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.
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Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid that is more potent than Dronabinol with a longer duration of action. FDA-approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Schedule II controlled substance.
Ondansetron (Zofran)
A 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and first-line antiemetic for chemotherapy-induced nausea. Not a controlled substance. Available as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and injection.
Megestrol Acetate (Megace)
A progestational agent used as an appetite stimulant for HIV/AIDS-related cachexia and anorexia. Available as an oral suspension. Not a controlled substance.
Medical Cannabis
State-legal cannabis products containing THC and/or CBD, available in various forms in states with medical marijuana programs. Not FDA-approved but used by many patients for similar indications.
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CNS depressants
moderate(benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol, barbiturates) — Additive drowsiness and sedation; avoid combining when possible
CYP2C9 inhibitors
moderate(Fluconazole, Amiodarone) — May increase Dronabinol levels and side effects
CYP3A4 inhibitors
moderate(Ketoconazole, Ritonavir, Clarithromycin) — May increase Dronabinol levels and side effects
CYP enzyme inducers
moderate(Rifampin, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, St. John's Wort) — May decrease Dronabinol effectiveness
Anticholinergic drugs
moderateMay worsen rapid heart rate and drowsiness
Disulfiram and Metronidazole
moderateContraindicated with the Syndros oral solution (contains alcohol)
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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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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