Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may lead to medical problems because of an overdose.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

If you are using the oral liquid:

  • Measure the oral liquid with the marked oral dosing syringe that comes with the package. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
  • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
  • If you are taking this medicine for treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medicines, take the first dose on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal. After your first dose, you can take it with or without food.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (capsules):
    • For increasing appetite in patients with AIDS:
      • Adults and teenagers—At first, 2.5 milligrams (mg) two times a day, taken before lunch and supper. Your doctor may change your dose depending on your condition. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medicines:
      • Adults and teenagers—Dose is based on body surface area and must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and when to take it.
      • Children—Dose is based on body surface area and must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (solution):
    • For increasing appetite in patients with AIDS:
      • Adults—At first, 2.1 milligrams (mg) two times a day, taken 1 hour before lunch and 1 hour before dinner. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 8.4 mg two times a day.
      • Older adults—At first, 2.1 mg once a day, taken 1 hour before dinner or at bedtime. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose as needed and tolerated.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medicines:
      • Adults—Dose is based on body surface area and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 4.2 milligrams (mg) per square meter (m[2]) taken 1 to 3 hours before chemotherapy and then every 2 to 4 hours after chemotherapy for a total of 4 to 6 doses per day. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 12.6 mg/m[2] per dose for 4 to 6 doses per day.
      • Older adults—Dose is based on body surface area and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 2.1 milligrams (mg) per square meter (m[2]) taken 1 to 3 hours before chemotherapy.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

You may keep the opened bottle of oral liquid at room temperature. Throw away any unused medicine 28 days after opening the bottle.