Granicip
Granicip (Granisetron 1 mg / 2 mg) — once-daily second-generation 5-HT3 antagonist for chemo, radiation, and PONV. Longer half-life (~9 h) vs ondansetron.
✓ Medically reviewed by Morgan Ellis — Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience · Last reviewed: May 2026
⚡ Quick Answer — What is Granicip?
Granicip contains granisetron 1 mg / 2 mg, a second-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonist in the same class as ondansetron but with a longer half-life (~9 hours vs 4 hours). It is used to prevent chemotherapy-induced, radiation-induced, and post-operative nausea and vomiting. The longer half-life means once-daily oral or single-dose IV coverage for moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. Manufactured by Cipla under WHO-GMP standards.
📦 Every order is covered by our Reshipment Assurance Policy — if your parcel does not arrive within 20 business days, we reship it.
Why order from MedsBase
Our generic medications are sourced from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers and shipped worldwide in discreet, plain packaging — no medication name on the parcel exterior. Card payments are routed through a regulated processor (statement descriptors include a regulated card-payment processor — never “MedsBase” or any medication name). Crypto and SEPA bank transfer are also accepted. Every order is backed by our Reshipment Assurance Policy.
Granisetron vs ondansetron — when to choose granisetron
Both molecules block the 5-HT3 receptor and have similar peak efficacy. The clinically meaningful differences:
- Half-life: granisetron ~9 h, ondansetron ~4 h. A single dose of granisetron covers a 24-hour chemotherapy day better.
- QT signal: ondansetron has the higher cardiac signal (FDA dose cap of 16 mg IV); granisetron is intermediate; palonosetron is the cleanest.
- Dose frequency: granisetron is typically once-daily oral or once IV; ondansetron is given every 8 hours.
- Constipation: similar between the two, but slightly less frequent with granisetron.
- Cost: ondansetron is cheaper and more widely stocked; granisetron is preferred when once-daily dosing simplifies compliance.
Why order from MedsBase
Granicip is supplied from a WHO-GMP certified manufacturer. Every order ships discreetly worldwide and is covered by our Reshipment Assurance Policy — if it does not arrive within 20 business days, we reship at no cost. Granisetron is the once-daily 5-HT3 antagonist of choice when adherence to a multi-dose schedule is a concern, and it is a useful alternative for patients who tolerate ondansetron poorly.
Mechanism of action
Granisetron is a highly selective antagonist of the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor on vagal afferents (peripheral) and the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the area postrema (central). Chemotherapy and radiation cause enterochromaffin cells in the gut to release serotonin, which would otherwise drive vomiting via the medullary vomiting centre. By blocking the 5-HT3 receptor, granisetron interrupts this signal at both peripheral and central sites. It does not bind D2, H1, muscarinic, or alpha-adrenergic receptors — hence the absence of sedation, extrapyramidal reactions, and anticholinergic side effects.
Indications
- CINV (chemotherapy-induced): moderately and highly emetogenic chemotherapy — usually combined with dexamethasone ± an NK1 antagonist (aprepitant) for highly emetogenic regimens.
- Radiation-induced nausea: total body irradiation, high-dose abdominal radiation.
- Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV): single-dose IV at induction or end of surgery.
- Refractory chemo nausea: after ondansetron failure (cross-tolerance is incomplete — switching can rescue some patients).
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| CINV (oral, adult) | 2 mg PO 1 h before chemo, then 2 mg daily for up to 5 days (or 1 mg twice daily) |
| CINV (IV) | 10 mcg/kg (or fixed 1 mg) IV 30 min before chemo |
| PONV | 1 mg IV at induction or end of surgery (single dose) |
| Paediatric (CINV) | 10–40 mcg/kg IV (max 3 mg per dose); specialist supervision |
| Renal/hepatic impairment | No dose reduction routinely required; severe hepatic dysfunction may prolong clearance |
Side effects
- Very common: headache (~14–21%), constipation (~3–9%)
- Common: dizziness, fatigue, asthenia, transient AST/ALT rise, insomnia, mild taste disturbance
- Less common: hypertension, hypotension, abdominal pain, rash
- Rare but serious: QT prolongation/torsades, serotonin syndrome (with SSRIs/triptans), severe hypersensitivity
Drug interactions
- QT-prolonging drugs: avoid concurrent use with azithromycin, fluoroquinolones, citalopram, methadone, antipsychotics (especially in patients with electrolyte disturbance).
- Serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, triptans, tramadol, fentanyl, linezolid): rare serotonin syndrome reported.
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, St John’s wort): may lower granisetron levels.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin): may modestly raise levels — clinical impact is small.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Granicip different from Ondem (ondansetron)?
Both are 5-HT3 antagonists, but granisetron has a longer half-life (~9 h vs ~4 h), so a single oral dose covers a chemo day. Ondansetron requires dosing every 8 hours. Ondansetron has a slightly higher QT signal and an FDA single-dose cap of 16 mg IV. For uncomplicated nausea ondansetron is cheaper; for chemo-day adherence granisetron simplifies the schedule.
When does Granicip start working?
Onset is 30–60 minutes orally and within 5–10 minutes IV. Take the oral dose 1 hour before chemotherapy for best protection.
Is granisetron safe in pregnancy?
Granisetron is FDA Category B (animal studies show no harm; controlled human data limited). Reserve for refractory chemotherapy-induced nausea or hyperemesis when first-line agents have failed; specialist supervision recommended.
Can I take Granicip for motion sickness or pregnancy nausea?
No. Granisetron is reserved for chemotherapy, radiation, and post-operative nausea. Motion sickness is histaminergic/cholinergic — use promethazine (Avomine), cinnarizine, or meclozine. Pregnancy nausea first-line is doxylamine + B6 (Doxinate, Pregnidoxin NU).
Does Granicip cause sedation?
No. Like other 5-HT3 antagonists, granisetron does not cause sedation, extrapyramidal reactions, or anticholinergic side effects. Headache and constipation are the dominant side effects.
Can I drink alcohol while on Granicip?
Occasional small amounts are unlikely to interact pharmacologically, but alcohol can worsen nausea and dehydration during chemotherapy — avoid during active treatment cycles.
What if my nausea is not controlled?
Add dexamethasone, an NK1 antagonist (aprepitant), or olanzapine for highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Switching to a different 5-HT3 (palonosetron) or class (D2 antagonist) is reasonable when one molecule has failed.
Is constipation a problem?
Yes — constipation occurs in up to 1 in 11 users on multi-day courses. Maintain hydration, fibre, and prophylactic laxatives (senna/bisacodyl/movicol) during chemo cycles.
How is Granicip stored?
Store tablets at room temperature (below 30°C), protected from light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton.
Are 5-HT3 antagonists the only option for chemo nausea?
No. Modern guideline-driven CINV regimens combine a 5-HT3 antagonist + dexamethasone + (for highly emetogenic chemo) an NK1 antagonist like aprepitant. Olanzapine is also useful for refractory cases. Single-agent 5-HT3 is mainly for moderately emetogenic regimens.
Other Nausea Treatments
- Ondem (ondansetron tablet)
- Emeset 4 ODT (ondansetron oral disintegrating)
- Ondem Injection (ondansetron IV/IM)
- Dompewal (domperidone — D2 antagonist)
- Stemetil MD (prochlorperazine ODT)
- Browse all Nausea Treatments
More options in Nausea Treatment
Ranked by recent MedsBase order volume — what other customers in this category are picking.
| Strength | 1 mg |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 28 Tablet/s, 56 Tablet/s, 84 Tablet/s |
| Pharma Form | Tablet/s |
| Manufacturer | Cipla Inc |
| Treatment | Nausea, Vomiting |
| Generic Brand | Granisetron |
Granicip
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