What is dronabinol?
Dronabinol is a synthetically produced delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient of the cannabis plant. It is used as a prescription drug for the treatment of various diseases.
Since March 2017, doctors in Germany have been able to order cannabis drugs on cash recipes. Dronabinol is administered as an oily solution or in capsules and enables precise dosage.
It is mainly used in chronic pain, nausea by chemotherapy and cravings.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Dronabinol (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)
Dronabinol acts via the body's endocannabinoid system:
Active mechanism:
- Binding to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system
- Ties to CB2 receptors in the immune system
- Modulates pain perception, appetite, nausea and mood
Effects:
- pain relief (analgetic)
- Antiemetic (against nausea)
- Arousing appetite
- Muscle relaxation
- Fear-solving (in low dose)
Pharmacokinetics:
- Start of action oral: 30-90 minutes
- duration of action: 4-8 hours
- metabolism in the liver
Who is it suitable for?
Dronabinol can be used at:
- Chronic pain (if other therapies are not enough)
- nausea and vomiting by chemotherapy
- Loss of appetite in HIV/AIDS or cancer
- Spastics in multiple sclerosis
- Chronic-inflammatory bowel diseases
Regulations:
- Main condition
- Standard therapies exhausted or incompatible
- View of symptom improvement
Not suitable:
- In psychosis or severe mental illnesses
- Infectious diseases
- Under 18 years (relative contraindication)
Available Dosages
Dronabinol drops (oily solution):
- 2.5% solution (25 mg/ml)
- start dose: 2.5 mg (1-2x daily)
- Slow increase over weeks
- Target dose: individual, usually 5-20 mg/day
Dronabinol capsules:
- 2.5 mg capsules
- 5 mg capsules
- 10 mg capsules
Important: Always start with the lowest dose and slowly increase ("start low, go slow").
How to Take
Intake:
- Oily solution: drops under the tongue or on a spoon
- Capsules: swallow with some water
- At or after a meal (better recording)
Dosis adjustment:
- First week: 2.5 mg in the evening
- From week 2: 2.5 mg in the morning + 2.5 mg in the evening
- Further increase after compatibility
Important notes:
- No participation in road traffic at the start of therapy
- Driving only possible after a stable setting
- No alcohol during treatment
- BtM recipe required
Contraindications
Notes:
- hypersensitivity to dronabinol or cannabinoids
- Severe psychiatric diseases (psychoses, schizophrenia)
- Heavy cardiovascular diseases
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Preview at:
- Finding diseases in history
- Depression or anxiety disorder
- Liver disease
- Older patients
- Young people
Possible Side Effects
Acid (1-10%):
- Squeeze
- fatigue, fatigue
- Mouth dryness
- euphoria or dysphoria
- Appetite changes
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Heart turf (Tachycardia)
- Blood pressure drop
- Headaches
- nausea
- Concentration disorders
Selten:
- Fear, Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- confusion
- Depressive detunement
Note: Most side effects are dose-dependent and improve with slow dose increase.
Interactions
Reactions with:
- Soothing agent (benzodiazepine) – reinforced sedation
- Alcohol - enhanced CNS damping
- Opioide – additive effect
- CYP inhibitors – increased dronabinol levels
Preview at:
- Antidepressants
- Antiepileptic
- Blood pressure medications
Commissioning:
- At the beginning of therapy: NO Driving
- After stable setting: individual assessment
- THC detectable in blood – observe legal situation
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is dronabinol right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.