An antiemetic is a drug that is effective against vomiting and nausea. Antiemetics are typically used to treat motion sickness and the side effects of opioid analgesics, general anaesthetics, and chemotherapy directed against cancer. They may be used for severe cases of gastroenteritis, especially if the patient is dehydrated.

Antiemetic drugs are medicines that ease nausea or vomiting. A person might use an over-the-counter or prescription version. The feeling of nausea results from a complex process in the body, and this is why various drugs have been designed to ease nausea in different situations.

Antiemetic drugs are prescribed to help with nausea and vomiting that are side effects of other drugs. This may include drugs for anesthesia used during surgeries or chemotherapy for cancer. Antiemetic drugs are also used for nausea and vomiting caused by: motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, severe cases of the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) and other infections.

Types of Antiemetics

The types of antiemetics includes Antiemetics for motion sickness such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), meclizine (Bonine), promethazine (Phenergan) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Gravol), Antiemetics for the stomach flu such as sodium citrate, dextrose, and fructose (Nauzene), orthophosphoric acid, fructose, and glucose (Emetrol) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol).

Antiemetics during pregnancy such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Gravol), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promethazine and vitamin B6, Antiemetics after surgery like dexamethasone (Decadron), droperidol (Inapsine), granisetron (Kytril), metoclopramide (Reglan) and ondansetron (Zofran) and Antiemetics for cancer and chemotherapy like aprepitant (Emend), dexamethasone (DexPak), dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), palonosetron (Aloxi), prochlorperazine (Compazine) and rolapitant (Varubi).

Side Effects

The side effects depend on the type of antiemetic drug you take: bismuth-subsalicylate: dark-colored tongue, grayish-black stools, antihistamines: drowsiness, dry mouth, dopamine antagonists: dry mouth, fatigue, constipation, tinnitus, muscle spasms, restlessness, neurokinin receptor agonists: decreased urination, dry mouth, heartburn, serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists: constipation, dry mouth, fatigue, corticosteroids: indigestion, acne, increased appetite and thirst, cannabinoids: changes in perception, dizziness.

Natural Treatments

The most well-known natural antiemetic is ginger (Zingiber officinale). Ginger contains 5-HT3 antagonists known as gingerols. Clinical studies show that ginger may be effective in treating nausea and vomiting. Steep fresh ginger in hot water to make tea, or try candied ginger, ginger biscuits, or ginger ale.

Aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil may also be a safe and effective way to overcome nausea and vomiting. Try rubbing a couple drops into the back of your neck and taking deep breaths. Cannabis has also been shown to be an effective antiemetic. It’s now available legally in many states, but may be considered an illegal drug in others.

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Regards

Mary Wilson

Editorial office

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research

E-mail: pharmatoxicol@eclinicalsci.com