Antiemetic drugs: what to prescribe and when

Akshay Athavale, Tegan Athavale, Darren M Roberts, Akshay Athavale, Tegan Athavale, Darren M Roberts

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms with many possible causes, including the adverse effects of drugs. If a drug is indicated, the cause guides the choice of antiemetic drug The main antiemetic classes include antagonists of the serotonin, dopamine, histamine, muscarinic and neurokinin systems, corticosteroids and benzodiazepines. Some antiemetics appear more effective for specific indications Serotonin and neurokinin antagonists, such as ondansetron and aprepitant, are highly effective in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Metoclopramide and antihistamines are first-line options for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy Serotonin antagonists and some dopamine antagonists, such as metoclopramide, can prolong the QT interval on the ECG. Dopamine antagonists can cause extrapyramidal adverse effects, particularly in children

Keywords: antiemetics; nausea; vomiting.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: none declared

(c) NPS MedicineWise.

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