Antiemetic Agents

Nausea and Vomiting

Most common and uncomfortable complaints often managed with antiemetics.

Emetics

Substances that cause vomiting, no longer recommended for at-home poison control.

Antiemetics

Drugs that decrease or prevent nausea and vomiting.

Centrally Acting Antiemetics

Group of antiemetics that act on the central nervous system.

Phenothiazines

A group of antiemetics that depress various areas of the CNS.

Nonphenothiazines

Anti-emetics that reduce responsiveness of nerve cells in the CTZ to chemicals that induce vomiting.

Anticholinergics/Antihistamines

Agents that block transmission of impulses to the CTZ helping in nausea and vomiting.

Serotonin (5-HT3) Receptor Blockers

Agents that block receptors associated with nausea and vomiting in the CTZ and locally.

Substance P/Neurokinin 1 Receptor Antagonists

Agents that act directly in the CNS to block receptors associated with nausea and vomiting.

Miscellaneous Antiemetics

Agents whose actions and pharmacokinetics vary, used for treatment and prevention of nausea and vomiting.

Prototype Phenothiazines

Prochlorperazine, used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting.

Prototype Nonphenothiazines

Metoclopramide, indicated for prevention of nausea and vomiting.

Prototype Anticholinergics/Antihistamines

Meclizine, used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting.

Prototype Serotonin (5-HT3) Receptor Blockers

Ondansetron, utilized for control of nausea and vomiting.

Prototype Substance P/Neurokinin 1 Receptor Antagonists

Aprepitant, used in combination with other agents to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Adverse Effects of Phenothiazines

Drowsiness associated with the use of these antiemetics.

Drowsiness, Fatigue, Restlessness

Adverse effects commonly seen with Nonphenothiazines.

Caution with Serotonin (5-HT3) Receptor Blockers

Use with caution during pregnancy and lactation.

Pharmacokinetics of Substance P/Neurokinin 1 Receptor Antagonists

Metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine and feces.