Temozolomide should be taken on an empty stomach or at least one hour before a meal. Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting after taking temozolomide orally. If vomiting is followed by vomiting, temozolomide should not be taken again the same day. Temozolomide capsules should not be opened or chewed and should be taken whole by mouth. If the capsule is broken, contact of the inner powder with the skin or mucous membranes should also be avoided. The usual dose of temozolomide for adults is usually given at 200 mg per square meter once daily for 5 days in a 28-day cycle. If the patient has had prior chemotherapy, the initial dose may be reduced to 150 mg per square meter for the first cycle. If the absolute neutrophil count is greater than 1.5 x 10^9/L and the platelet count is greater than 100 x 10^9/L, the dose can be increased to 200 mg per m2 for the second cycle.