Nabilone Brown & Burk Uk (Nabilone)

• Nabilone acts on the endocannabinoid system to control nausea and stimulate appetite in several disease states.
• Chemotherapy‑induced nausea and vomiting: reduces frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving cytotoxic therapy.
• AIDS‑related wasting: stimulates appetite and promotes weight gain in patients with HIV/AIDS.
• Other wasting conditions: improves appetite in patients with cachexia due to chronic illness.

• Nabilone is a partial agonist at cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. By mimicking the activity of Δ9‑tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it modulates neurotransmitter release, decreasing the emetic signaling pathways and enhancing appetite‑regulating circuits, which together produce anti‑emetic and orexigenic effects.

Nabilone may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are grouped by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness or unsteadiness.
• Dry mouth: reduced salivation leading to throat discomfort.
• Drowsiness: increased sleepiness, especially after dosing.
• Increased appetite: heightened desire for food.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Psychosis: emergence of hallucinations or delusional thoughts.
• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure causing faintness.
• Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
• Suicidal ideation: thoughts of self‑harm requiring immediate evaluation.
• Seizures: convulsive episodes in susceptible individuals.

• When prescribing Nabilone, clinicians should consider several safety measures to minimize risk.
• Assess hepatic function: use caution in patients with liver impairment.
• Monitor psychiatric status: watch for mood changes or emergence of psychosis.
• Avoid concurrent CNS depressants: may enhance sedation and respiratory depression.
• Use with caution in elderly: increased risk of falls and confusion.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C, retain original packaging, and protect from moisture.

Nabilone can affect, or be affected by, other medicines through metabolic pathways and central nervous system effects.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• CYP3A4 inhibitors: may increase nabilone plasma concentrations.
• CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids): risk of excessive sedation or respiratory depression.
• Anticoagulants: potential for enhanced bleeding risk.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• CYP3A4 inducers: may reduce nabilone effectiveness.
• Alcohol: can amplify central nervous system effects.
• Antihistamines: may increase drowsiness and impair coordination.