Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Marinol is the brand name for Dronabinol, a synthetic form of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is FDA-approved for two conditions: anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS, and nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy in patients who have not responded to conventional antiemetic treatments. Marinol comes as a capsule that contains Dronabinol dissolved in sesame oil.
Dronabinol acts as a partial agonist at cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in the central nervous system. By activating CB1 receptors in the brainstem's vomiting center, it produces antiemetic effects that help control chemotherapy-induced nausea. Activation of CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus stimulates appetite, which is how it helps patients with AIDS-related wasting regain weight and interest in eating.
Marinol (Dronabinol) scores a 45 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate in stock. As a Schedule III controlled substance with a limited number of manufacturers, Marinol has experienced intermittent supply disruptions. While it is not currently listed on the FDA drug shortage list as of early 2026, availability can vary significantly by region and pharmacy. Patients may need to call multiple pharmacies or use a service like Medfinder to locate it quickly.
Struggling to find {drug} in stock? We'll call the pharmacies, sit on hold, and find you one that can fill your prescription.
Marinol is most commonly prescribed by oncologists for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and by infectious disease or HIV medicine specialists for AIDS-related appetite loss. Pain management specialists, palliative care physicians, gastroenterologists, and psychiatrists may also prescribe Dronabinol for off-label uses. Because it is a controlled substance, any prescriber must have a valid DEA registration. Telehealth prescribing is available in some cases.
Yes. Marinol capsules are classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Notably, Syndros (the oral solution form of Dronabinol) is classified as Schedule II, which carries stricter prescribing and dispensing requirements. Patients should be aware that abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Serious side effects can include psychiatric reactions (psychosis, hallucinations, panic attacks), hemodynamic instability (blood pressure changes, fainting, rapid heart rate), seizures, and drug dependence.
Marinol (Dronabinol) is a valuable medication for patients dealing with AIDS-related appetite loss or chemotherapy-induced nausea that hasn't responded to other treatments. However, its status as a controlled substance and intermittent supply issues can make it challenging to find in stock. If your pharmacy is out of Marinol, ask about generic Dronabinol capsules, which are more widely available and significantly less expensive. Use Medfinder to quickly locate pharmacies that have it in stock near you, and always talk to your doctor about alternatives like Ondansetron or Megestrol Acetate if supply remains an issue.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
