From the FDA Drug Label
2.1 Anorexia Associated with Weight Loss in Adult Patients with AIDS Starting Dosage The recommended adult starting dosage of dronabinol capsules is 2.5 mg orally twice daily, one hour before lunch and dinner.
2.2 Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Cancer Chemotherapy in Adult Patients Who Failed Conventional Antiemetics Starting Dosage The recommended starting dosage of dronabinol capsules is 5 mg/m2, orally administered 1 to 3 hours prior to the administration of chemotherapy and then every 2 to 4 hours after chemotherapy, for a total of 4 to 6 doses per day.
The recommended dose and frequency of Marinol (dronabinol) varies depending on the indication:
- For anorexia associated with weight loss in adult patients with AIDS:
- Starting dose: 2.5 mg orally twice daily
- Maximum dose: 10 mg twice daily
- For nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in adult patients who failed conventional antiemetics:
- Starting dose: 5 mg/m2 orally 1 to 3 hours prior to chemotherapy
- Dosing frequency: every 2 to 4 hours after chemotherapy, for a total of 4 to 6 doses per day
- Maximum dose: 15 mg/m2 per dose for 4 to 6 doses per day 1
From the Research
Marinol (dronabinol) should be prescribed at an initial dose of 2.5 mg taken twice daily, before lunch and dinner, with potential adjustments based on patient response and tolerance, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 2. The dosage of Marinol can vary depending on the patient's condition and response to treatment.
- For appetite stimulation in AIDS patients, the usual dosage is 2.5 mg before lunch and dinner, which can be increased to 5 mg before meals if needed.
- For chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, the starting dose is usually 5 mg/m² taken 1-3 hours before chemotherapy, then every 2-4 hours after chemotherapy for a total of 4-6 doses per day, as noted in studies 3, 4. The dose can be gradually increased to a maximum of 15 mg/m² per dose if necessary, with careful monitoring of side effects and efficacy, as suggested by research 4, 2. Elderly patients or those with liver impairment should start at lower doses (2.5 mg once daily) to minimize the risk of adverse effects, as indicated by studies 3, 5. Marinol should be taken with a full glass of water, and patients should avoid alcohol while using it, to reduce the risk of interactions and side effects, as advised by researchers 6, 2. Side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and mood changes, so patients should not drive or operate machinery until they know how the medication affects them, as warned by studies 3, 4, 2. The medication works by activating cannabinoid receptors in the brain that control appetite, pain, and nausea centers, as explained by researchers 3, 2. Patients should be monitored for effectiveness and side effects, with dosage adjustments made accordingly, to ensure optimal treatment outcomes, as recommended by studies 4, 2.