Marinol Capsule Stability at Room Temperature
Marinol (dronabinol) capsules remain stable at room temperature for up to 90 days when stored in their original packaging, maintaining >97% potency throughout this period. 1
Unopened Original Packaging
Dronabinol capsules stored at room temperature (20-25°C) in their original foil-sealed blister packs maintain >97% of initial delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) concentration for 90 days. 1
The capsule appearance remains unaltered during room temperature storage over this 3-month period. 1
The product packaging and sesame oil formulation efficiently protect Δ9-THC from oxidative degradation to cannabinol, even without refrigeration. 1
This stability profile allows pharmacies to store dronabinol capsules in nonrefrigerated automated dispensing systems with a 90-day expiration date after removal from the refrigerator. 1
Key Storage Considerations
Light protection is critical: Exposure to light is the single greatest factor causing cannabinoid degradation, particularly in solutions. 2
Temperature effects up to 20°C are relatively insignificant compared to light exposure, though air oxidation can lead to losses if packaging integrity is compromised. 2
The original packaging acts as a protective barrier—damage to this packaging may accelerate degradation through increased air oxidation. 2
After Opening/Repackaging
While the primary stability data applies to unopened original packaging 1, the robust 90-day room temperature stability suggests minimal immediate degradation upon opening.
However, once removed from original packaging, protection from light becomes paramount, as cannabinoid solutions and exposed products degrade rapidly with light exposure. 2
For repackaged dronabinol, conservative practice would limit room temperature storage to shorter periods (e.g., 30 days) unless stored in light-protective containers, though specific data for opened capsules is not available in the evidence reviewed.
Clinical Implications
Pharmacies can confidently dispense Marinol capsules for outpatient use without requiring refrigerated transport or storage for up to 90 days. 1
Patients should be instructed to keep capsules in the original blister packaging until use and store away from direct light. 1, 2
Visual inspection before administration is prudent: discard any capsules showing discoloration, deformity, or other physical changes, though such changes were not observed in stability studies. 1