Dronabinol

The Basics

What is Dronabinol?

An appetite stimulant, antiemetic, and sleep apnea reliever.

Brand names for Dronabinol

Marinol

How Dronabinol is classified

Antiemetics, Cannabinoids

Dronabinol During Pregnancy

Dronabinol pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Dronabinol while pregnant

MARINOL, a synthetic cannabinoid, may cause fetal harm. Avoid use of MARINOL in pregnant women. Although there is little published data on the use of synthetic cannabinoids during pregnancy, use of cannabis (e.g., marijuana) during pregnancy has been associated with adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes [see Clinical Considerations]. Cannabinoids have been found in the umbilical cord blood from pregnant women who smoke cannabis. In animal reproduction studies, no teratogenicity was reported in mice administered dronabinol at up to 30 times the MRHD (maximum recommended human dose) and up to 5 times the MRHD for patients with AIDS and cancer, respectively. Similar findings were reported in pregnant rats administered dronabinol at up to 5 to 20 times the MRHD and 3 times the MRHD for patients with AIDS and cancer, respectively. Decreased maternal weight gain and number of viable pups and increased fetal mortality and early resorptions were observed in both species at doses which induced maternal toxicity. In published studies, offspring of pregnant rats administered delta-9-THC during and after organogenesis have been reported to exhibit neurotoxicity with adverse effects on brain development, including abnormal neuronal connectivity and impairments in cognitive and motor function . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Published studies suggest that during pregnancy, the use of cannabis, which includes THC, whether for recreational or medicinal purposes, may increase the risk of adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes including fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, preterm birth, small-for-gestational age, admission to the NICU, and stillbirth. Therefore, use of cannabis during pregnancy should be avoided.

Taking Dronabinol While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Dronabinol?

Dronabinol is the synthetic form of tetrahydrocannabinol, the major active component of cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol is found in the breastmilk of mothers who use cannabis products.[1][2] Because no published information is available with dronabinol use as an antiemetic during breastfeeding, an alternate antiemetic should be used.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Dronabinol is the synthetic form of tetrahydrocannabinol, the major active component of cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol is found in the breastmilk of mothers who use cannabis products.[1][2] Because no published information is available with dronabinol use as an antiemetic during breastfeeding, an alternate antiemetic should be used.

Possible effects of Dronabinol on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Dronabinol

Meclizine, Metoclopramide, Prochlorperazine, Thiethylperazine.