What is Aprepitant: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Aprepitant overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Emend

Generic Names:

  • Aprepitant

Uses:

  • Prevents nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiemetic

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Aprepitant used for?

Aprepitant is a prescription drug used by patients diagnosed with cancer. It prevents nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It blocks a substance in the body that causes vomiting. This medication is used by adults and children at least 12 years old.

What form(s) does Aprepitant come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

What are common Aprepitant doses?

  • Capsule 40MG

  • Capsule 80MG

  • Capsule 125MG

  • Disp Pack 2 Capsules

  • Disp Pack 3 Capsules

Common Aprepitant prescriptions

  • Aprepitant
    125mg capsule

  • Aprepitant
    40mg capsule

  • Aprepitant
    80mg capsule

  • Aprepitant
    2 capsules disp pack

  • Aprepitant
    3 capsules disp pack

How to take Aprepitant

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the oral liquid in the oral dosing dispenser in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours. You may also keep the medicine at room temperature for up to 3 hours.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Oral liquid: The oral liquid comes in a prefilled oral dosing dispenser that contains your prescribed dose.Call your doctor right away if you or your child is not able to take the medicine.Throw away the dispenser and cap after each use.

  • For chemotherapy: Take this medicine 1 hour before the start of your chemotherapy session. Aprepitant is normally given once a day for 3 days in a row, beginning on the first day of treatment.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • For surgery: Take this medicine within 3 hours before surgery.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • For surgery: Take this medicine within 3 hours before surgery.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the oral liquid in the oral dosing dispenser in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours. You may also keep the medicine at room temperature for up to 3 hours.

  • For chemotherapy: Take this medicine 1 hour before the start of your chemotherapy session. Aprepitant is normally given once a day for 3 days in a row, beginning on the first day of treatment.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral liquid: The oral liquid comes in a prefilled oral dosing dispenser that contains your prescribed dose.Call your doctor right away if you or your child is not able to take the medicine.Throw away the dispenser and cap after each use.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Aprepitant

Aprepitant contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to aprepitant.

Aprepitant warnings

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Birth control (including pills, rings, implants and other devices) may not work while you are using this medicine. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control during treatment and for 1 month after your last dose of this medicine. Other forms of birth control include condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foams or jellies.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.

Aprepitant interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with pimozide.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how aprepitant works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Carbamazepine, clarithromycin, dexamethasone, diltiazem, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methylprednisolone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, troleandomycinBlood thinner (including warfarin)Cancer medicines (including ifosfamide, vinblastine, vincristine)Sedative medicine (including alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam)

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Aprepitant side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Tiredness or weakness

  • Headache

  • Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain or upset

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