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Dronabinol 2.5 mg Capsule, 60-count — NDC 67877-0753-60 package photo
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Dronabinol 2.5 mg Capsule, 60-count — NDC 67877-753-60 (Billing 67877-0753-60)

by Ascend Laboratories, LLC · 60 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE

This is a package of 60 capsules of Dronabinol 2.5 mg Capsule from Ascend Laboratories, LLC, marketed since Mar 2021 and currently FDA-listed; retail pharmacies pay about $1.52 per capsule (NADAC). It is this product's only package size.

NDC 67877-0753-60
🏷️ FDA NDC (as labeled) 67877-753-60 billing pads the product segment with a zero
Rx only Brand On market CIII ⇄ Compare with another NDC
🗂️ FDA directory synced Oct 1, 2026 · this listing last changed Jul 24, 2026 · sources: openFDA · FDA label (DailyMed) · FDA Orange & Purple Book · First Databank · CMS NADAC, ASP, Medicare & Medicaid · RxNorm
📋 All sources & update times →

Identity & classification

Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package

FDA NDC (as labeled) 67877-753-60
Product NDC 67877-753
11-digit billing NDC 67877075360
NCPDP billing unit EA — each (per item)
RxCUI 197634, 197635, 197636
UNII 7J8897W37S
UPC 0367877753607, 0367877754604, 0367877755601
Application # NDA018651
SPL Set ID adb1801c-0fb5-4e16-b969-1db91230e0b9
Established class (EPC) Cannabinoid
Chemical class Cannabinoids
DEA schedule CIII
Marketing category NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC
Marketing status On market
FDA listing status Listed (active directory)
Marketing start 2021-03-03
Route ORAL
Dosage form CAPSULE
Substance DRONABINOL
TE code (Orange Book) AB · RLD · RS

Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification

GPI-14 50300030000110
GPI class Dronabinol
GCN Seq No 004694
GCN 27990
HICL code 001955
Ingredient (HICL) Dronabinol
HIC1 code H
Therapeutic class — broad (HIC1) Nervous System (Except Autonomic)
HIC2 code H6
Therapeutic class — intermediate (HIC2) Drugs Acting Principally On The Midbrain
HIC3 code H6O
Therapeutic class — specific (HIC3) Antiemetic, Cannabinoid-Type
AHFS code 56:92.00.00
AHFS class Gi Drugs, Miscellaneous
FDB label name DRONABINOL 2.5 MG CAPSULE
FDB brand name Dronabinol
Legend status F — Federal legend — prescription drug or device
Quick answers
  • GSN (GCN sequence number): 004694
  • GCN: 27990
  • GPI-14 (Medi-Span): 50300030000110
  • HICL (First Databank): 001955
  • AHFS class code: 56:92.00.00
  • RxCUI (RxNorm): 197634
Why two NDCs? The FDA registers this code as 67877-753-60 — a 5-3-2 layout, and that's what's printed on the package and shown on DailyMed. For insurance claims, every NDC is standardized to a uniform 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a zero to the product segment → 67877-0753-60. Same drug, same package — only the format differs.
Where does this data come from?
Identifiers from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Structured Product Labeling; RxCUI from RxNorm (NLM); GPI from Medi-Span; GCN / HIC / AHFS / legend from First Databank.

RxNorm drug class

This medicine belongs to the Cannabinoid class.

Pharmacologic class Cannabinoid
Drug family (ATC) Other antiemetics
Where does this data come from?
Therapeutic classes from RxNorm RxClass (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Established Pharmacologic Class (FDA), ATC drug family (WHO) and mechanism of action, matched by this product’s RxCUI.

Clinical

Label name DRONABINOL 2.5 MG CAPSULE Ingredient Dronabinol
📗 Our plain-language guide HelloPharmacist
  • It's used in adults for loss of appetite with weight loss from AIDS. It's also used for chemotherapy nausea and vomiting when other anti-nausea medicines haven't worked well enough...
  • It's taken by mouth. For appetite, it's usually taken about an hour before lunch and dinner. For chemotherapy nausea, you start before treatment and repeat through the day. If you...
  • Dizziness, sleepiness, feeling high, nausea, belly pain and unusual thinking are common. These often settle within a few days. Call your doctor if they're severe or don't go away.
  • Not until you know how it affects you. It can impair thinking and coordination, and sedating medicines can make this worse.
📖 Read our full Dronabinol guide →
Where does this data come from?
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine); supplement & herbal interactions and nutrient depletion data from the Natural Medicines database; our full guide is HelloPharmacist editorial content.

Pricing

A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.

Price systemPer eaPer package
Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly $1.516 $90.96 / 60 capsules
Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo $1.90 $114.02 / 60 capsules
Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 $2.10 $125.99 / 60 capsules
Medicare Part B allowsASP · Q0167 $1.869 / Q0167 unit —
NADAC price history (per ea) — tap or hover for the price & month
Dec 2021 Apr 2022 Aug 2022 Dec 2023 $1.516 $0.954
▲ Up 19% over the last 13 months.
Where does this data come from?
NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) is the CMS weekly pharmacy-acquisition-cost survey — what pharmacies pay. ASP (Average Sales Price) is the CMS Medicare Part B drug-payment file, published quarterly. Medicaid pays is computed by us from CMS State Drug Utilization Data (total reimbursed ÷ units, trailing 12 months) — gross of rebates and inclusive of dispensing fees, so it reflects what Medicaid paid, not an acquisition cost. Medicare drug plans pay is the median negotiated point-of-sale unit cost across plans listing this NDC in the CMS quarterly Prescription Drug Plan pricing files, before rebates. The VA pays is the federal contract price (FSS, and the statutory Big 4 ceiling where listed) from the VA National Acquisition Center pharmaceutical price file. All are free public government data; each measures a different payer, so the figures are not directly comparable.

Billing & reimbursement

FDA NDC (as labeled)67877-753-60
11-digit billing NDC67877-0753-60
Format5-3-2 as registered → padded to 5-4-2 for billing (zero added to the product segment)
HCPCS J-codeQ0167
DescriptorDRONABINOL, 2.5 MG, ORAL, FDA APPROVED PRESCRIPTION ANTI-EMETIC, FOR USE AS A COMPLETE THERAPEUTIC SUBSTITUTE FOR AN IV ANTI-EMETIC AT THE TIME OF CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT, NOT TO EXCEED A 48 HOUR DOSAGE REGIMEN
Billing units / pkg1 units
How the units are derivedThis package is 60 EA; the HCPCS unit is 2.5 MG, so one package = 1 billing unit.
Crosswalk sourcePDAC NDC-HCPCS crosswalk (DME MAC / DMEPOS)
Where does this data come from?
The HCPCS J-code crosswalk comes from the CMS ASP NDC-HCPCS crosswalk and the DMEPDAC (DME MAC) NDC-HCPCS crosswalk — free public CMS data. Billing units are derived from the code’s descriptor and the package amount.

Packaging — all sizes for this product

Package NDCDescription Marketing startMarketing endStatus
67877-0753-60 You're viewing this Main listing 60 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE 2021-03-03 — Active

Therapeutic equivalents

ProductLabelerPackNADAC/unitTEStatusPrice vs. this
Dronabinol 2.5 mg 00904-7144-61 Major 100 capsules $1.516 AB FDA listed —
Dronabinol 2.5 mg 31722-0960-60 Camber 60 capsules $1.516 AB FDA listed —
Dronabinol 2.5 mgthis 67877-0753-60 Ascend 60 capsules $1.516 AB FDA listed —
Marinol 2.5 mg 53097-0568-60 ThePharmaNetwork, 60 capsules — AB FDA listed —
Marinol 2.5 mg 53097-0571-60 ThePharmaNetwork, 60 capsules — AB FDA listed —
About this product: this is an authorized generic — the brand-name product marketed without its brand name. Other versions are listed above, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
Equivalents are other NDCs of the same ingredient, form and route from the openFDA NDC Directory, ranked least-expensive-first by NADAC. Therapeutic-equivalence (AB) ratings come from the FDA Orange Book; biologics use the FDA Purple Book for biosimilar & interchangeable status.

Availability & generic status

🏛️
2021
On the market since
Mar 2021
📍
2026
Currently FDA-listed
5 years listed
🔓
·
Generic versions listed
see equivalents
✅Generic appears available

FDA-approved generic versions are listed, and recent pricing/market data suggests they may be available — see Therapeutic equivalents.

Where does this data come from?
Patents and exclusivity from the FDA Orange Book (small-molecule drugs), refreshed from public FDA data. Generic launch timing is an estimate, not a guarantee.

What it looks like

Color White / Brown / Orange
ShapeRound
ImprintMX
Size8 mm
ScoringNot scored
One label can cover several strengths, so colors may be combined — always confirm a loose pill against the dispensed prescription label or a pharmacist.
Where does this data come from?
Physical description (imprint, shape, color, scoring, coating) from this product’s FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL), mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA.

Inactive Ingredients / Excipients

Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.

Loading inactive ingredients from the official FDA label in the background. No external source is being called by this page request.
Where does this data come from?
Source: official FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL) via DailyMed and the openFDA label index. Structured IACT rows and label-wide narrative are kept separate; availability and product-level specificity depend on the submitted label.

Inactive ingredient FAQ

Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
No. Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and package / product version.
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Some SPLs do not provide a complete structured inactive-ingredient list, and older or unusual labels may only include the information in narrative text.
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Yes. They can matter for allergies, intolerances, dyes, gluten / lactose concerns, preservatives, and formulation differences — but confirm with a pharmacist or the manufacturer when it’s clinically important.

Manufacturer & labeler

LabelerAscend Laboratories, LLC
Application holderALKEM LABORATORIES LTD
FDA applicationNDA018651 (NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC)
Labeler code67877
First marketedMar 2021
DEA scheduleCIII
Product typeHuman Prescription Drug
Portfolio349 products on file
The labeler markets the product; the application holder owns the FDA approval. They’re often the same company but can differ (e.g. a repackager or an authorized generic). A mailing address / phone appears here when the manufacturer includes it in the product’s FDA label (not all do).
Where does this data come from?
Labeler, application holder and registered establishment from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Drugs@FDA; address/contact from the product’s FDA label.

Full prescribing information FDA SPL

The complete FDA label for this product — the official prescribing information, verbatim, section by section. Very long sections are excerpted here and marked; the full text is on DailyMed (linked in the sources below). Jump with a chip, search within the label, or expand everything.
🎯 Indications and Usage 92 words ▾

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dronabinol capsules are indicated in adults for the treatment of: anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic treatments. Dronabinol capsules is a cannabinoid indicated in adults for the treatment of: Anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS. ( 1 ) Nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic treatments.

( 1 )

⏱️ Dosage and Administration ~3 min read ▾

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Anorexia Associated with Weight Loss in Adult Patients with AIDS ( 2.1 ): The recommended adult starting dosage is 2.5 mg orally twice daily, one hour before lunch and dinner. See the full prescribing information for dosage titration to manage adverse reactions and to achieve desired therapeutic effect. Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Chemotherapy in Adult Patients Who Failed Conventional Antiemetics ( 2.2 ): The recommended starting dosage is 5 mg/m 2 , administered 1 to 3 hours prior to the administration of chemotherapy, then every 2 to 4 hours after chemotherapy, for a total of 4 to 6 doses per day.

Administer the first dose on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to eating; subsequent doses can be taken without regard to meals. See the full prescribing information for dosage titration to manage adverse reactions and to achieve desired therapeutic effect.

2.1Anorexia Associated with Weight Loss in Adult Patients with AIDS Starting Dosage The recommended adult starting dosage of dronabinol capsules is 2.5 mg orally twice daily, one hour before lunch and dinner. In elderly patients or patients unable to tolerate 2.5 mg twice daily, consider initiating dronabinol capsules at 2.5 mg once daily one hour before dinner or at bedtime to reduce the risk of central nervous system (CNS) symptoms [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 )]. Dosing later in the day may reduce the frequency of CNS adverse reactions.

CNS adverse reactions are dose-related [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] ; therefore monitor patients and reduce the dosage as needed. If CNS adverse reactions of feeling high, dizziness, confusion, and somnolence occur, they usually resolve in 1 to 3 days and usually do not require dosage reduction. If CNS adverse reactions are severe or persistent, reduce the dosage to 2.5 mg in the evening or at bedtime.

Dosage Titration If tolerated and further therapeutic effect is desired, the dosage may be increased gradually to 2.5 mg one hour before lunch and 5 mg one hour before dinner. Increase the dose of dronabinol capsules gradually in order to reduce the frequency of dose-related adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Most patients respond to 2.5 mg twice daily, but the dose may be further increased to 5 mg one hour before lunch and 5 mg one hour before dinner, as tolerated to achieve a therapeutic effect.

Maximum Dosage: 10 mg twice daily.

2.2Nausea and Vomiting Associated with Cancer Chemotherapy in Adult Patients Who Failed Conventional Antiemetics Starting Dosage The recommended starting dosage of dronabinol capsules is 5 mg/m2, orally administered 1 to 3 hours prior to the administration of chemotherapy and then every 2 to 4 hours after chemotherapy, for a total of 4 to 6 doses per day. In elderly patients, consider initiating dronabinol capsules at 2.5 mg/m2 once daily 1 to 3 hours prior to chemotherapy to reduce the risk of CNS symptoms [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 )].

Administer the first dose on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before eating. Subsequent doses can be taken without regard to meals [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. The timing of dosing in relation to meal times should be kept consistent for each chemotherapy cycle, once the dosage has been determined from the titration process.

Dosage Titration The dosage can be titrated to clinical response during a chemotherapy cycle or subsequent cycles, based upon initial response, as tolerated to achieve a clinical effect, in increments of 2.5 mg/m2. The maximum dosage is 15 mg/m2 per dose for 4 to 6 doses per day. Adverse reactions are dose-related and psychiatric symptoms increase significantly at the maximum dosage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].

Monitor patients for adverse reactions and consider decreasing the dose to 2.5 mg once daily 1 to 3 hours prior to chemotherapy to reduce the risk of CNS adverse reactions.

💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths 48 words ▾

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Dronabinol capsules are supplied as round, soft gelatin capsules for oral use as follows: 2.5 mg white capsules (Identified M2) 5 mg dark brown capsules (Identified M5) 10 mg orange capsules (Identified MX) Capsules: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg ( 3 )

⛔ Contraindications 59 words ▾

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Dronabinol capsules are contraindicated in patients with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction to dronabinol or sesame oil. Reported hypersensitivity reactions to dronabinol capsules include lip swelling, hives, disseminated rash, oral lesions, skin burning, flushing and throat tightness [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. History of a hypersensitivity reaction to dronabinol or sesame oil ( 4 )

⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ~3 min read ▾

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions: May cause psychiatric and cognitive effects and impair mental and/or physical abilities. Avoid use in patients with a psychiatric history. Monitor for symptoms and avoid concomitant use of drugs with similar effects.

Inform patients not to operate motor vehicles or other dangerous machinery until they are reasonably certain that dronabinol capsules do not affect them adversely. ( 5.1 ) Hemodynamic Instability: Patients with cardiac disorders may experience hypotension, hypertension, syncope or tachycardia. Avoid concomitant use of drugs with similar effects and monitor for hemodynamic changes after initiating or increasing the dosage of dronabinol capsules.

( 5.2 ) Seizures and Seizure-like Activity: Weigh the potential risk versus benefits before prescribing dronabinol capsules to patients with a history of seizures, including those requiring anti-epileptic medication or with other factors that lower the seizure threshold. Monitor patients and discontinue if seizures occur. ( 5.3 ) Multiple Substance Abuse: Assess risk for abuse or misuse in patients with a history of substance abuse or dependence, prior to prescribing dronabinol capsules and monitor for the development of associated behaviors or conditions.

( 5.4 ) Paradoxical Nausea, Vomiting, or Abdominal Pain: Consider dose reduction or discontinuation, if worsening of symptoms while on treatment. ( 5.5 )

5.1Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions Psychiatric Adverse Reactions Dronabinol has been reported to exacerbate mania, depression, or schizophrenia. Significant CNS symptoms followed oral doses of 0.4 mg/kg (28 mg per 70 kg patient) of dronabinol capsules in antiemetic studies. Prior to initiating treatment with dronabinol capsules, screen patients for a history of these illnesses.

Avoid use in patients with a psychiatric history or, if the drug cannot be avoided, monitor patients for new or worsening psychiatric symptoms during treatment. Also, avoid concomitant use with other drugs that are associated with similar psychiatric effects. Cognitive Adverse Reactions Use of dronabinol capsules has been associated with cognitive impairment and altered mental state.

Reduce the dose of dronabinol capsules or discontinue use of dronabinol capsules if signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment develop. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the neurological and psychoactive effects of dronabinol capsules [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 , 8.5 )]. Hazardous Activities Dronabinol capsules can cause and may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks such as driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.

Concomitant use of other drugs that cause dizziness, confusion, sedation, or somnolence such as CNS depressants may increase this effect (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines, ethanol, lithium, opioids, buspirone, scopolamine, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, other anticholinergic agents, muscle relaxants). Inform patients not to operate motor vehicles or other dangerous machinery until they are reasonably certain that dronabinol capsules do not affect them adversely.

5.2Hemodynamic Instability Patients may experience occasional hypotension, possible hypertension, syncope, or tachycardia while taking dronabinol capsules [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. Patients with cardiac disorders may be at higher risk. Avoid concomitant use of other drugs that are also associated with similar cardiac effects (e.g., amphetamines, other sympathomimetic agents, atropine, amoxapine, scopolamine, antihistamines, other anticholinergic agents, amitriptyline, desipramine, other tricyclic antidepressants).

Monitor patients for changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and syncope after initiating or increasing the dosage of dronabinol capsules.

5.3Seizures Seizure and seizure-like activity have been reported in patients receiving dronabinol. Weigh this potential risk again… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🤒 Adverse Reactions ~3 min read ▾

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (≥3%) are: abdominal pain, dizziness, euphoria, nausea, paranoid reaction, somnolence, thinking abnormal and vomiting. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ascend Laboratories, LLC at 1-877-272-7901 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling. Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hemodynamic Instability [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Paradoxical Nausea, Vomiting, and Abdominal Pain [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Studies of AIDS-related weight loss included 157 patients receiving dronabinol capsules at a dose of 2.5 mg twice daily and 67 receiving placebo.

Studies of nausea and vomiting related to cancer chemotherapy included 317 patients receiving dronabinol capsules and 68 receiving placebo. In the tables below is a summary of the adverse reactions in 474 patients exposed to dronabinol capsules in studies. Studies of different durations were combined by considering the first occurrence of events during the first 28 days.

A cannabinoid dose-related “high” (easy laughing, elation and heightened awareness) has been reported by patients receiving dronabinol capsules in both the antiemetic (24%) and the lower dose appetite stimulant clinical trials (8%). The most frequently reported adverse experiences in patients with AIDS during placebo-controlled clinical trials involved the CNS and were reported by 33% of patients receiving dronabinol capsules. About 25% of patients reported a CNS adverse reaction during the first 2 weeks and about 4% reported such a reaction each week for the next 6 weeks thereafter.

Common Adverse Reactions The following adverse reactions were reported in clinical trials at an incidence greater than 1%. System Organ Class Adverse Reactions General Asthenia Cardiovascular Palpitations, tachycardia, vasodilation/facial flush Gastrointestinal Abdominal pain*, nausea*, vomiting* Central Nervous System Dizziness*, euphoria*, paranoid reaction*, somnolence*, thinking abnormal*, amnesia, anxiety/nervousness, ataxia, confusion, depersonalization, hallucination * Actual incidence 3% to 10% Less Common Adverse Reactions The following adverse reactions were reported in clinical trials at an incidence less than or equal to 1%.

System Organ Class Adverse Reactions General Chills, headache, malaise Cardiovascular Hypotension, conjunctival injection [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] Gastrointestinal Diarrhea, fecal incontinence, anorexia, hepatic enzyme elevation Musculoskeletal Myalgias Central Nervous System Depression, nightmares, speech difficulties, tinnitus Respiratory Cough, rhinitis, sinusitis Skin Flushing, sweating Sensory Vision difficulties

6.2Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of dronabinol capsules. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. General disorders and administration site conditions: Fatigue Hypersensitivity reactions: Lip swelling, hives, disseminated rash, oral lesions, skin burning, flushing, throat tightness [see Contraindications ( 4 )] Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: Fall [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5 )] Nervous system disorders: Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] , disorientation, movement disorder, loss of consciousness Psychiatric disorders: Delirium, insomnia, panic attack Vasc… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🔄 Drug Interactions ~1 min read ▾

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Inhibitors and inducers of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4: May alter dronabinol systemic exposure; monitor for potential dronabinol-related adverse reactions or loss of efficacy. ( 7.3 ) Highly protein-bound drugs: Potential for displacement of other drugs from plasma proteins; monitor for adverse reactions to concomitant highly protein-bound drugs and narrow therapeutic index drugs (e.g., warfarin, cyclosporine, amphotericin B) when initiating or increasing the dosage of dronabinol capsules. ( 7.4 )

7.1Additive CNS Effects Additive CNS effects (e.g., dizziness, confusion, sedation, somnolence) may occur when dronabinol capsules are taken concomitantly with drugs that have similar effects on the central nervous system such as CNS depressants [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].

7.2Additive Cardiac Effects Additive cardiac effects (e.g., hypotension, hypertension, syncope, tachycardia) may occur when dronabinol capsules are taken concomitantly with drugs that have similar effects on the cardiovascular system [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

7.3Effect of Other Drugs on Dronabinol Dronabinol is primarily metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes based on published in vitro studies. Inhibitors of these enzymes may increase, while inducers may decrease, the systemic exposure of dronabinol and/or its active metabolite resulting in an increase in dronabinol-related adverse reactions or loss of efficacy of dronabinol capsules. Monitor for potentially increased dronabinol-related adverse reactions when dronabinol capsules are co-administered with inhibitors of CYP2C9 (e.g., amiodarone, fluconazole) and inhibitors of CYP3A4 enzymes (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, erythromycin, grapefruit juice).

7.4Highly Protein-Bound Drugs Dronabinol is highly bound to plasma proteins, and therefore, might displace and increase the free fraction of other concomitantly administered protein-bound drugs. Although this displacement has not been confirmed in vivo, monitor patients for increased adverse reactions to narrow therapeutic index drugs that are highly protein-bound (e.g., warfarin, cyclosporine, amphotericin B) when initiating treatment or increasing the dosage of dronabinol capsules.

👥 Use in Specific Populations ~3 min read ▾

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 ) Lactation: Advise HIV-infected women not to breastfeed due to the potential for HIV transmission. Weight should be monitored in breastfed infants of mothers with nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in whom breastfeeding is appropriate.

( 8.2 ) Geriatric Use: Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the neuropsychiatric and postural hypotensive effects. Consider a lower starting dose in elderly patients. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 5.1 , 5.2 , 8.5 )

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Dronabinol capsules, a synthetic cannabinoid, may cause fetal harm. Avoid use of dronabinol capsules 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 (delta-9-THC) 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 rats, maternal administration of dronabinol from pregnancy (implantation) through weaning was associated with maternal toxicity including adverse clinical signs, increased stillbirths and mortality of offspring, and reduced pup bodyweight at 2 and 6 times the MRHD for patients with AIDS, and less than or equal to the MRHD for patients with cancer.

No evidence of neurodevelopmental adverse effects was observed in the offspring at doses up to 6 times the MRHD for patients with AlDS, and up to the MRHD for patients with cancer (see Data) . 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 neonatal intensive care unit, and stillbirth.

Therefore, use of cannabis during pregnancy should be avoided. Data Human Data Delta-9-THC has been measured in the cord blood of some infants whose mothers reported prenatal use of cannabis, suggesting that dronabinol may cross the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy. The effects of delta-9-THC on the fetus are not known.

Animal Data Reproduction studies with dronabinol have been performed in mice at 15 to 450 mg/m 2 , equivalent to 1 to 30 times the MRHD of 15 mg/m 2 /day in patients with AIDS or 0.2 to 5 times the MRHD of 90 mg/m 2 /day in patients with cancer, and in rats at 74 to 295 mg/m 2 (equivalent to 5 to 20 times the MRHD of 15 mg/m 2 /day in patients with AIDS or 0.8 to 3 times the MRHD of 90 mg/m 2 /day in patients with cancer). These studies have revealed no evidence of teratogenicity due to delta-9-THC. At these dronabinol dosages in mice and rats, delta-9-THC decreased maternal weight gain and number of viable pups and increased fetal mortality and early resorptions.

Such effects were dose dependent and less apparent at… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🤰 Pregnancy ~3 min read ▾

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Dronabinol capsules, a synthetic cannabinoid, may cause fetal harm. Avoid use of dronabinol capsules 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 (delta-9-THC) 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 rats, maternal administration of dronabinol from pregnancy (implantation) through weaning was associated with maternal toxicity including adverse clinical signs, increased stillbirths and mortality of offspring, and reduced pup bodyweight at 2 and 6 times the MRHD for patients with AIDS, and less than or equal to the MRHD for patients with cancer.

No evidence of neurodevelopmental adverse effects was observed in the offspring at doses up to 6 times the MRHD for patients with AlDS, and up to the MRHD for patients with cancer (see Data) . 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 neonatal intensive care unit, and stillbirth.

Therefore, use of cannabis during pregnancy should be avoided. Data Human Data Delta-9-THC has been measured in the cord blood of some infants whose mothers reported prenatal use of cannabis, suggesting that dronabinol may cross the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy. The effects of delta-9-THC on the fetus are not known.

Animal Data Reproduction studies with dronabinol have been performed in mice at 15 to 450 mg/m 2 , equivalent to 1 to 30 times the MRHD of 15 mg/m 2 /day in patients with AIDS or 0.2 to 5 times the MRHD of 90 mg/m 2 /day in patients with cancer, and in rats at 74 to 295 mg/m 2 (equivalent to 5 to 20 times the MRHD of 15 mg/m 2 /day in patients with AIDS or 0.8 to 3 times the MRHD of 90 mg/m 2 /day in patients with cancer). These studies have revealed no evidence of teratogenicity due to delta-9-THC. At these dronabinol dosages in mice and rats, delta-9-THC decreased maternal weight gain and number of viable pups and increased fetal mortality and early resorptions.

Such effects were dose dependent and less apparent at lower doses that produced less maternal toxicity. Review of published literature indicates that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in neurodevelopmental processes such as neurogenesis, migration, and synaptogenesis. Exposure of pregnant rats to delta-9-THC (during and after organogenesis) may modulate these processes to result in abnormal patterns of neuronal connectivity and subsequent cognitive impairments in the offspring.

Nonclinical toxicity studies in pregnant rats and newborn pups have shown prenatal exposure to d… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🧒 Pediatric Use 38 words ▾

8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of dronabinol capsules have not been established in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients may be more sensitive to neurological and psychoactive effects of dronabinol capsules [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].

🧓 Geriatric Use 193 words ▾

8.5Geriatric Use Clinical studies of dronabinol capsules in AIDS and cancer patients did not include the sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the neuropsychiatric and postural hypotensive effects of dronabinol capsules [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 )]. Elderly patients with dementia are at increased risk for falls as a result of their underlying disease state, which may be exacerbated by the CNS effects of somnolence and dizziness associated with dronabinol capsules [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].

These patients should be monitored closely and placed on fall precautions prior to initiating dronabinol capsule therapy. In antiemetic studies, no difference in efficacy was apparent in patients greater than 55 years of age compared to younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of falls, decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, increased sensitivity to psychoactive effects, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 )].

🆘 Overdosage 105 words ▾

10 OVERDOSAGE Signs and symptoms of dronabinol overdosage include drowsiness, euphoria, heightened sensory awareness, altered time perception, reddened conjunctiva, dry mouth, tachycardia, memory impairment, depersonalization, mood alteration, urinary retention, reduced bowel motility, decreased motor coordination, lethargy, slurred speech, and postural hypotension. Patients may also experience panic reactions if they have a prior history of nervousness or anxiety, and seizures may occur in patients with existing seizure disorders.

It is not known if dronabinol can be removed by dialysis in cases of overdose. If over-exposure of dronabinol capsules occurs, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for current information on the management of poisoning or overdosage.

🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ~3 min read ▾

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1Mechanism of Action Dronabinol is an orally active cannabinoid which has complex effects on the CNS, including central sympathomimetic activity. Cannabinoid receptors have been discovered in neural tissues. These receptors may play a role in mediating the effects of dronabinol.

12.2Pharmacodynamics Effects on the Cardiovascular System Dronabinol-induced sympathomimetic activity may result in tachycardia and/or conjunctival injection. Its effects on blood pressure are inconsistent, but subjects have experienced orthostatic hypotension and/or syncope upon abrupt standing [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Effects on the Central Nervous System Dronabinol also demonstrates reversible effects on appetite, mood, cognition, memory, and perception.

These phenomena appear to be dose-related, increasing in frequency with higher dosages, and subject to great inter-patient variability. After oral administration, dronabinol has an onset of action of approximately 0.5 to 1 hours and peak effect at 2 to 4 hours. Duration of action for psychoactive effects is 4 to 6 hours, but the appetite stimulant effect of dronabinol may continue for 24 hours or longer after administration.

Tachyphylaxis and tolerance develop to some of the pharmacologic effects of dronabinol with chronic use, suggesting an indirect effect on sympathetic neurons. In a study of the pharmacodynamics of chronic dronabinol exposure, healthy male subjects (N = 12) received 210 mg per day of dronabinol capsules, administered orally in divided doses, for 16 days. An initial tachycardia induced by dronabinol was replaced successively by normal sinus rhythm and then bradycardia.

A decrease in supine blood pressure, made worse by standing, was also observed initially. These subjects developed tolerance to the cardiovascular and subjective adverse CNS effects of dronabinol within 12 days of treatment initiation. Tachyphylaxis and tolerance do not appear to develop to the appetite stimulant effect of dronabinol capsules.

In clinical studies involving AIDS patients, the appetite stimulant effect of dronabinol capsules was sustained for up to five months at dosages ranging from 2.5 mg to 20 mg per day.

12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption Dronabinol (delta-9-THC) is almost completely absorbed (90 to 95%) after single oral doses. Due to the combined effects of first pass hepatic metabolism and high lipid solubility, only 10 to 20% of the administered dose reaches the systemic circulation. Concentrations of both parent drug and its major active metabolite (11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC) peak at approximately 0.5 to 4 hours after oral dosing and decline over several days.

The pharmacokinetics of dronabinol after single doses (2.5, 5, and 10 mg) and multiple doses (2.5, 5, and 10 mg given twice a day) have been studied in healthy subjects. Summary of Multiple-Dose Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Dronabinol in Healthy Subjects (n=34; 20-45 years) under Fasted Conditions Mean (SD) PK Parameter Values Twice Daily Dose C max ng/mL Median T max (range), hr AUC (0-12) ng•hr/mL 2.5 mg 1.32 (0.62) 1.00 (0.50-4.00) 2.88 (1.57) 5 mg 2.96 (1.81) 2.50 (0.50-4.00) 6.16 (1.85) 10 mg 7.88 (4.54) 1.50 (0.50-3.50) 15.2 (5.52) C max : maximum observed plasma concentration; T max : time to maximum observed plasma concentration; AUC (0-12) : area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 hours.

A slight increase in dose proportionality on mean C max and AUC (0-12) of dronabinol was observed with increasing dose over the dose range studied. Effect of Food: In a published study, the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of dronabinol was studied by concomitant dosing of dronabinol capsules with a high-fat (59 grams of fat, approximately 50% of total caloric content of the meal), high calorie meal (approximately 950 calories). An appreciable food effect was observed, resulting in a 4-hour delay in mean T max and 2.9-fold increase in total exposure (AUC inf ), but C max was not… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🧬 Mechanism of Action 41 words ▾

12.1Mechanism of Action Dronabinol is an orally active cannabinoid which has complex effects on the CNS, including central sympathomimetic activity. Cannabinoid receptors have been discovered in neural tissues. These receptors may play a role in mediating the effects of dronabinol.

📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling 80 words ▾

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Dronabinol Capsules, USP 2.5 mg white capsules (Identified M2). NDC 67877-753-60 (Bottle of 60 capsules). 5 mg dark brown capsules (Identified M5).

NDC 67877-754-60 (Bottle of 60 capsules). 10 mg orange capsules (Identified MX). NDC 67877-755-60 (Bottle of 60 capsules).

Storage Conditions Dronabinol capsules should be packaged in a well-closed container and stored in a cool environment between 8° and 15°C (46° and 59°F) and alternatively could be stored in a refrigerator. Protect from freezing.

📋 Description 142 words ▾

11 DESCRIPTION Dronabinol is a cannabinoid designated chemically as (6aR,10aR)-6a,7,8,10a-Tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl-6H-dibenzo[b,d]-pyran-1-ol. Dronabinol has the following empirical and structural formulas: C 21 H 30 O 2 (molecular weight = 314.46) Dronabinol, the active ingredient in dronabinol capsules, USP, is synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC). Dronabinol is a light yellow resinous oil that is sticky at room temperature and hardens upon refrigeration.

Dronabinol is insoluble in water and is formulated in sesame oil. It has a pKa of 10.6 and an octanol-water partition coefficient: 6,000:1 at pH 7. Each dronabinol capsule strength is formulated with the following inactive ingredients: 2.5 mg capsule contains gelatin, glycerin, sesame oil, and titanium dioxide; 5 mg capsule contains iron oxide red and iron oxide black, gelatin, glycerin, sesame oil, and titanium dioxide; 10 mg capsule contains iron oxide red and iron oxide yellow, gelatin, glycerin, sesame oil, and titanium dioxide. dronabinol-str.jpg

💬 Information for Patients ~2 min read ▾

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information). Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Advise patients that psychiatric adverse reactions may occur, especially in patients with a past psychiatric history or in those receiving other drugs also associated with psychiatric effects, and to report to their healthcare provider any new or worsening psychiatric symptoms. Advise patients, especially elderly patients, that cognitive impairment or an altered mental state may also occur during treatment with dronabinol capsules and to report to their healthcare provider if they develop signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment.

Advise patients not to operate motor vehicles or other dangerous machinery until they are reasonably certain that dronabinol capsules do not affect them adversely. Alert patients to the potential for additive central nervous system depression if dronabinol capsules is used concomitantly with alcohol or other CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Hemodynamic Instability Advise patients, especially those with cardiac disorders, to report to their healthcare provider if they experience any signs or symptoms of hemodynamic instability, including hypotension, hypertension, syncope or tachycardia, especially after initiating or increasing the dosage of dronabinol capsules [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].

Seizures Advise patients to discontinue dronabinol capsules and contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience a seizure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Multiple Substance Abuse Inform patients with a history of substance abuse or dependence, including marijuana or alcohol, that they may be more likely to abuse dronabinol capsules. Advise patients to report to their healthcare provider if they develop abuse behaviors or conditions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )].

Paradoxical Nausea, Vomiting, or Abdominal Pain Advise patients to report worsening nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain to their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]. Pregnancy Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus and to avoid use of dronabinol capsules during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. Lactation Advise HIV infected women with anorexia associated with weight loss, not to breastfeed because HIV can be passed to the baby through the breast milk.

Advise women with nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy that breastfeeding infants should have their weight monitored [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.2 )] . Manufactured by: Patheon Softgels Inc. High Point, NC 27265 Distributed by: Ascend Laboratories, LLC Bedminster, NJ 07921

🧬 Pharmacokinetics ~3 min read ▾

12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption Dronabinol (delta-9-THC) is almost completely absorbed (90 to 95%) after single oral doses. Due to the combined effects of first pass hepatic metabolism and high lipid solubility, only 10 to 20% of the administered dose reaches the systemic circulation. Concentrations of both parent drug and its major active metabolite (11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC) peak at approximately 0.5 to 4 hours after oral dosing and decline over several days.

The pharmacokinetics of dronabinol after single doses (2.5, 5, and 10 mg) and multiple doses (2.5, 5, and 10 mg given twice a day) have been studied in healthy subjects. Summary of Multiple-Dose Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Dronabinol in Healthy Subjects (n=34; 20-45 years) under Fasted Conditions Mean (SD) PK Parameter Values Twice Daily Dose C max ng/mL Median T max (range), hr AUC (0-12) ng•hr/mL 2.5 mg 1.32 (0.62) 1.00 (0.50-4.00) 2.88 (1.57) 5 mg 2.96 (1.81) 2.50 (0.50-4.00) 6.16 (1.85) 10 mg 7.88 (4.54) 1.50 (0.50-3.50) 15.2 (5.52) C max : maximum observed plasma concentration; T max : time to maximum observed plasma concentration; AUC (0-12) : area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 hours.

A slight increase in dose proportionality on mean C max and AUC (0-12) of dronabinol was observed with increasing dose over the dose range studied. Effect of Food: In a published study, the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of dronabinol was studied by concomitant dosing of dronabinol capsules with a high-fat (59 grams of fat, approximately 50% of total caloric content of the meal), high calorie meal (approximately 950 calories). An appreciable food effect was observed, resulting in a 4-hour delay in mean T max and 2.9-fold increase in total exposure (AUC inf ), but C max was not significantly changed [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )].

Distribution Dronabinol has an apparent volume of distribution of approximately 10 L/kg, because of its lipid solubility. The plasma protein binding of dronabinol and its metabolites is approximately 97% [see Drug Interactions ( 7.4 )]. Elimination The pharmacokinetics of dronabinol can be described using a two compartment model with an initial (alpha) half-life of about 4 hours and a terminal (beta) half-life of 25 to 36 hours.

Values for clearance average about

0.2L/kg-hr, but are highly variable due to the complexity of cannabinoid distribution. Metabolism Dronabinol undergoes extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism, primarily by hydroxylation, yielding both active and inactive metabolites. Dronabinol and its principal active metabolite, 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC, are present in approximately equal concentrations in plasma.

Published in vitro data indicates that CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 are the primary enzymes in the metabolism of dronabinol. CYP2C9 appears to be the enzyme responsible for the formation of the primary active metabolite [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.5 )]. Excretion Dronabinol and its biotransformation products are excreted in both feces and urine.

Biliary excretion is the major route of elimination with about half of a radio-labeled oral dose being recovered from the feces within 72 hours as contrasted with 10 to 15% recovered from urine. Less than 5% of an oral dose is recovered unchanged in the feces. Due to its re-distribution, dronabinol and its metabolites may be excreted at low levels for prolonged periods of time.

Following single dose administration, low levels of dronabinol metabolites have been detected for more than 5 weeks in the urine and feces. In a study of dronabinol capsules involving AIDS patients, urinary cannabinoid/creatinine concentration ratios were studied bi-weekly over a six week period. The urinary cannabinoid/creatinine ratio was closely correlated with dose.

No increase in the cannabinoid/creatinine ratio was observed after the first two weeks of treatment, indicating that steady-state cannabinoid levels had been reached. This conclusion is consistent with predictions based o… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🧬 Pharmacodynamics ~1 min read ▾

12.2Pharmacodynamics Effects on the Cardiovascular System Dronabinol-induced sympathomimetic activity may result in tachycardia and/or conjunctival injection. Its effects on blood pressure are inconsistent, but subjects have experienced orthostatic hypotension and/or syncope upon abrupt standing [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Effects on the Central Nervous System Dronabinol also demonstrates reversible effects on appetite, mood, cognition, memory, and perception.

These phenomena appear to be dose-related, increasing in frequency with higher dosages, and subject to great inter-patient variability. After oral administration, dronabinol has an onset of action of approximately 0.5 to 1 hours and peak effect at 2 to 4 hours. Duration of action for psychoactive effects is 4 to 6 hours, but the appetite stimulant effect of dronabinol may continue for 24 hours or longer after administration.

Tachyphylaxis and tolerance develop to some of the pharmacologic effects of dronabinol with chronic use, suggesting an indirect effect on sympathetic neurons. In a study of the pharmacodynamics of chronic dronabinol exposure, healthy male subjects (N = 12) received 210 mg per day of dronabinol capsules, administered orally in divided doses, for 16 days. An initial tachycardia induced by dronabinol was replaced successively by normal sinus rhythm and then bradycardia.

A decrease in supine blood pressure, made worse by standing, was also observed initially. These subjects developed tolerance to the cardiovascular and subjective adverse CNS effects of dronabinol within 12 days of treatment initiation. Tachyphylaxis and tolerance do not appear to develop to the appetite stimulant effect of dronabinol capsules.

In clinical studies involving AIDS patients, the appetite stimulant effect of dronabinol capsules was sustained for up to five months at dosages ranging from 2.5 mg to 20 mg per day.

🔬 Clinical Studies ~1 min read ▾

14 CLINICAL STUDIES The effectiveness of dronabinol capsules has been established based on studies for the treatment of anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with AIDS and nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conventional antiemetic treatments.

14.1Appetite Stimulation The appetite stimulant effect of dronabinol capsules in the treatment of AIDS-related anorexia associated with weight loss was studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 139 patients. The initial dosage of dronabinol capsules in all patients was 5 mg/day, administered in doses of 2.5 mg one hour before lunch and one hour before dinner. In pilot studies, early morning administration of dronabinol capsules appeared to have been associated with an increased frequency of adverse experiences, as compared to dosing later in the day.

The effect of dronabinol capsules on appetite, weight, mood, and nausea was measured at scheduled intervals during the six-week treatment period. Side effects (feeling high, dizziness, confusion, somnolence) occurred in 13 of 72 patients (18%) at this dosage level and the dosage was reduced to 2.5 mg/day, administered as a single dose at supper or bedtime. Of the 112 patients that completed at least 2 visits in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 99 patients had appetite data at 4-weeks (50 received dronabinol capsules and 49 received placebo) and 91 patients had appetite data at 6-weeks (46 received dronabinol capsules and 45 received placebo).

A statistically significant difference between dronabinol capsules and placebo was seen in appetite as measured by the visual analog scale at weeks 4 and 6 (see figure). Trends toward improved body weight and mood, and decreases in nausea were also seen. After completing the 6-week study, patients were allowed to continue treatment with dronabinol capsules in an open-label study, in which there was a sustained improvement in appetite. dronabinol-fig.jpg

🔒 Drug Abuse and Dependence ~2 min read ▾

9 DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

9.1Controlled Substance Dronabinol capsules, a Schedule III controlled substance.

9.2Abuse Abuse is the intentional, non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, for its desirable psychological or physiological effects. Misuse is the intentional use, for therapeutic purposes, of a drug by an individual in a way other than prescribed by a healthcare provider or for whom it was not prescribed. Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that may include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling drug use (e.g., continuing drug use despite harmful consequences, giving a higher priority to drug use than other activities and obligations), and possible tolerance or physical dependence.

Dronabinol capsules contains dronabinol, the main psychoactive component in marijuana. Ingestion of high doses of dronabinol increases the risk of psychiatric adverse reactions if abused or misused, while continued administration can lead to addiction. Psychiatric adverse reactions may include psychosis, hallucinations, depersonalization, mood alteration, and paranoia.

In an open-label study in patients with AIDS who received dronabinol capsules for up to five months, no abuse, or systematic change in personality or social functioning were observed despite the inclusion of a substantial number of patients with a past history of drug abuse. Patients should be instructed to keep dronabinol capsules in a secure place out of reach of others for whom the medication has not been prescribed.

9.3Dependence Physical dependence is a state that develops as a result of physiological adaptation in response to repeated drug use, manifested by withdrawal signs and symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dose reduction of a drug. The appearance of a withdrawal syndrome when administration of the drug is terminated is the only actual evidence of physical dependence. Physical dependence can develop during chronic therapy with dronabinol capsules, and develops after chronic abuse of marijuana.

A withdrawal syndrome was reported after the abrupt discontinuation of dronabinol in subjects receiving dosages of 210 mg per day for 12 to 16 consecutive days. Within 12 hours after discontinuation, subjects manifested symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, and restlessness. By approximately 24 hours post-dronabinol discontinuation, withdrawal symptoms intensified to include “hot flashes,” sweating, rhinorrhea, loose stools, hiccoughs, and anorexia.

These withdrawal symptoms gradually dissipated over the next 48 hours. Electroencephalographic changes consistent with the effects of drug withdrawal (hyperexcitation) were recorded in patients after abrupt dechallenge. Patients also complained of disturbed sleep for several weeks after discontinuing therapy with high dosages of dronabinol.

🔒 Controlled Substance 10 words ▾

9.1Controlled Substance Dronabinol capsules, a Schedule III controlled substance.

🧪 Nonclinical Toxicology 212 words ▾

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility In 2-year carcinogenicity studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenicity in rats at doses up to 50 mg/kg/day dronabinol (approximately 20 times the MRHD in AIDS patients on a body surface area basis) or in mice at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day (approximately 100 times the MRHD in AIDS patients on a body surface area basis). Dronabinol was not genotoxic in the Ames tests, the in vitro chromosomal aberration test in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

However, dronabinol produced a weak positive response in a sister chromatid exchange test in Chinese hamster ovary cells. In a long-term study (77 days) in rats, oral administration of dronabinol at doses of 30 to 150 mg/m2, equivalent to 2 to 10 times the MRHD of 15 mg/m2/day in AIDS patients or 0.3 to 1.5 times the MRHD of 90 mg/m2/day in cancer patients, reduced ventral prostate, seminal vesicle and epididymal weights and caused a decrease in seminal fluid volume. Decreases in spermatogenesis, number of developing germ cells, and number of Leydig cells in the testis were also observed.

However, sperm count, mating success, and testosterone levels were not affected. The significance of these animal findings in humans is not known.

📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility 209 words ▾

13.1Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility In 2-year carcinogenicity studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenicity in rats at doses up to 50 mg/kg/day dronabinol (approximately 20 times the MRHD in AIDS patients on a body surface area basis) or in mice at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day (approximately 100 times the MRHD in AIDS patients on a body surface area basis). Dronabinol was not genotoxic in the Ames tests, the in vitro chromosomal aberration test in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

However, dronabinol produced a weak positive response in a sister chromatid exchange test in Chinese hamster ovary cells. In a long-term study (77 days) in rats, oral administration of dronabinol at doses of 30 to 150 mg/m2, equivalent to 2 to 10 times the MRHD of 15 mg/m2/day in AIDS patients or 0.3 to 1.5 times the MRHD of 90 mg/m2/day in cancer patients, reduced ventral prostate, seminal vesicle and epididymal weights and caused a decrease in seminal fluid volume. Decreases in spermatogenesis, number of developing germ cells, and number of Leydig cells in the testis were also observed.

However, sperm count, mating success, and testosterone levels were not affected. The significance of these animal findings in humans is not known.

📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel 106 words ▾

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL- BOTTLE OF 60 CAPSULES NDC 67877-753-60 Dronabinol Capsules, USP 2.5 mg 60 Capsules PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL- CARTON OF 60 CAPSULES NDC 67877-753-60 Dronabinol Capsules, USP 2.5 mg 60 Capsules PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL- BOTTLE OF 60 CAPSULES NDC 67877-754-60 Dronabinol Capsules, USP 5 mg 60 Capsules PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL- CARTON OF 60 CAPSULES NDC 67877-754-60 Dronabinol Capsules, USP 5 mg 60 Capsules PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL- BOTTLE OF 60 CAPSULES NDC 67877-755-60 Dronabinol Capsules, USP 10 mg 60 Capsules PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL- CARTON OF 60 CAPSULES NDC 67877-755-60 Dronabinol Capsules, USP 10 mg 60 Capsules dronabinol-25-60cap-cont dronabinol-25-60cap-cart dronabinol-5-60cap-cont dronabinol-5-60cap-cart dronabinol-10-60cap-cont dronabinol-10-60cap-cart

Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling, mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA. Prefer the government’s original formatting? View this label on DailyMed ↗

Medicaid utilization & spend

📍 This exact package only: Medicaid data is reported per full 11-digit NDC — labeler, product and pack size — so every number here is for this package alone, not the drug overall. Other pack sizes report separately.
💊 Pharmacy benefit only: These are Medicaid outpatient pharmacy claims, billed by NDC. They exclude the medical benefit — clinic- or hospital-administered drugs billed under HCPCS J-codes — so drugs used mostly that way (e.g. Avastin, Lucentis, Keytruda) can look low or missing here. That’s expected, not an error.
📅 Q1 2025 – Q1 2026 · 5 quarters of data
ⓘ The newest quarter is usually incomplete when first published; states restate recent quarters in later CMS releases, so the latest figures typically revise upward. State coverage-policy changes can also shift quarter-to-quarter totals.
Prescriptions last 4 qtrs
1.4K
Units reimbursed last 4 qtrs
68.5K
Gross reimbursed last 4 qtrs
$130.2K
Avg / prescription
$93.74
Avg / unit
$1.9003
Latest quarter Q1 2026
705Rx
Medicaid pays / ea
$1.9003
gross reimbursed
vs
NADAC / ea
$1.5160
acquisition cost
=
Spread
+$0.3843
+25% vs cost
What Medicaid paid per ea (before rebates; includes the pharmacy’s dispensing fee) compared with NADAC — the average price pharmacies pay to buy the drug. A positive spread means Medicaid reimbursed more than the purchase price, before manufacturer rebates.
Fee-for-service vs managed care ⓘ
54% FFS 46% MCO
Fee-for-service · 754 Rx Managed care · 635 Rx
State Medicaid map
Alaska: no data reported AK Maine: 1,901 units · 136 per 100k residents ME Washington: no data reported WA Idaho: no data reported ID Montana: no data reported MT North Dakota: no data reported ND Minnesota: 1,034 units · 18.0 per 100k residents MN Wisconsin: 630 units · 10.7 per 100k residents WI Michigan: 1,474 units · 14.7 per 100k residents MI New York: 7,173 units · 36.7 per 100k residents NY Vermont: no data reported VT New Hampshire: no data reported NH Oregon: no data reported OR Nevada: no data reported NV Wyoming: no data reported WY South Dakota: 570 units · 62.0 per 100k residents SD Iowa: no data reported IA Illinois: 598 units · 4.8 per 100k residents IL Indiana: 1,824 units · 26.6 per 100k residents IN Ohio: 1,136 units · 9.6 per 100k residents OH Pennsylvania: 2,257 units · 17.4 per 100k residents PA New Jersey: no data reported NJ Massachusetts: 2,551 units · 36.4 per 100k residents MA California: 14,654 units · 37.6 per 100k residents CA Utah: no data reported UT Colorado: 974 units · 16.6 per 100k residents CO Nebraska: 3,185 units · 161 per 100k residents NE Missouri: 3,911 units · 63.1 per 100k residents MO Kentucky: 1,650 units · 36.5 per 100k residents KY West Virginia: no data reported WV Virginia: 1,387 units · 15.9 per 100k residents VA Maryland: 1,901 units · 30.8 per 100k residents MD Connecticut: 3,616 units · 100.0 per 100k residents CT Rhode Island: no data reported RI Arizona: no data reported AZ New Mexico: no data reported NM Kansas: no data reported KS Arkansas: no data reported AR Tennessee: 1,505 units · 21.1 per 100k residents TN North Carolina: 5,406 units · 49.9 per 100k residents NC South Carolina: no data reported SC Delaware: no data reported DE Oklahoma: no data reported OK Louisiana: no data reported LA Mississippi: no data reported MS Alabama: 978 units · 19.1 per 100k residents AL Georgia: no data reported GA D.C.: no data reported DC Hawaii: no data reported HI Texas: 6,774 units · 22.2 per 100k residents TX Florida: 1,428 units · 6.3 per 100k residents FL
Units reimbursed · per 100k residents
4.8161
gray = no data reported ⓘ
Colors are per 100,000 residents, so big states don’t automatically dominate. Tap or hover a state for its actual totals.
Tap or hover a state
…for its Medicaid breakdown
🏆 Top states by units · per 100k residents
1 Nebraska 161 /100k
2 Maine 136 /100k
3 Connecticut 100.0 /100k
4 Missouri 63.1 /100k
5 South Dakota 62.0 /100k
6 North Carolina 49.9 /100k
7 California 37.6 /100k
8 New York 36.7 /100k
National units — by quarter
💵 About the dollar figures: “reimbursed” is what Medicaid paid pharmacies before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower than these numbers. Fee-for-service and managed-care claims are combined unless split above. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data; per-100k rates use 2023 Census population estimates.

Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)

Medicare Part D (outpatient prescription) spending for Dronabinol — the program that covers self-administered drugs. 3 manufacturers.
⚠️ Drug-level data: CMS publishes Part D spending by drug, not by NDC — these figures combine every manufacturer, strength and package size sold under the name Dronabinol. That’s a different level of aggregation than the Medicaid card above, which is specific to this exact 11-digit NDC (pack size included), so the two aren’t directly comparable.
Period
Total Part D spend
$1.58M
Claims incl. refills
8.1K
Beneficiaries
5.4K
Spend / beneficiary
$291.31
Spend / claim
$194.53
Trend by period
💵 About the dollar figures: spending is what Part D plans paid before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower. A blank patient count means fewer than 11 people — CMS hides counts that small to protect privacy. Source: CMS Medicare Quarterly Part D Spending by Drug (data.cms.gov), updated quarterly.
For educational and professional reference only — not medical advice. Pricing reflects published NADAC and CMS ASP (free public data) and may differ from your acquisition cost; always verify before billing or dispensing.