Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to take dronabinol exactly as directed. Take missed doses as soon as possible but not if almost time for next dose; do not double doses. Signs of overdose (mood changes, confusion, hallucinations, depression, nervousness, fast or pounding heartbeat) may occur with increased doses

• Advise patient to call for assistance when ambulating, because this drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment and coordination. Avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to the drug is known

• Instruct patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension

• Caution patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS depressants during dronabinol therapy

• Advise patient and family to use general measures to decrease nausea (begin with sips of liquids and small, nongreasy meals; provide oral hygiene; remove noxious stimuli from environment)

dronabinol is a sample topic found in Davis's Drug Guide. All other sections of this record are viewable by clicking on the index in the left column, or by clicking on "Display all Sections" in the "Content Manager".

To find other Davis's Drug Guide topics, please login or purchase a subscription.