Marinol (Dronabinol) Drug Information: Overdosage and Contraindications

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May 27, 2012

Marinol

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Marinol

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OVERDOSE

Signs and symptoms following MILD MARINOL (dronabinol) Capsules intoxication include drowsiness, euphoria, heightened sensory awareness, altered time perception, reddened conjunctiva, dry mouth and tachycardia; following MODERATE intoxication include memory impairment, depersonalization, mood alteration, urinary retention, and reduced bowel motility; and following SEVERE intoxication include decreased motor coordination, lethargy, slurred speech, and postural hypotension. Apprehensive patients may experience panic reactions and seizures may occur in patients with existing seizure disorders.

The estimated lethal human dose of intravenous dronabinol is 30 mg/kg (2100 mg/ 70 kg). Significant CNS symptoms in antiemetic studies followed oral doses of 0.4 mg/kg (28 mg/70 kg) of MARINOL (dronabinol) Capsules.

Management: A potentially serious oral ingestion, if recent, should be managed with gut decontamination. In unconscious patients with a secure airway, instill activated charcoal (30 to 100 g in adults, 1 to 2 g/kg in infants) via a nasogastric tube. A saline cathartic or sorbitol may be added to the first dose of activated charcoal. Patients experiencing depressive, hallucinatory or psychotic reactions should be placed in a quiet area and offered reassurance. Benzodiazepines (5 to 10 mg diazepam po) may be used for treatment of extreme agitation. Hypotension usually responds to Trendelenburg position and IV fluids. Pressors are rarely required.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

MARINOL (dronabinol) Capsules is contraindicated in any patient who has a known sensitivity to MARINOL (dronabinol) Capsules or any of its ingredients. It contains cannabinoid and sesame oil and should never be used by patients allergic to these substances.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/29/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.