Emetics/Antiemetics (Cram)

What are the three categories of emetics?

1. Apomorphine
2. Xylazine
3. Locally acting emetics

What are some examples of locally acting emetics?

Hydrogen peroxide, salt water, ipecac syrup

Which emetic is a narcotic which is used only for inducing vomiting? It stimulates the vomiting center in the brain

Apomorphine

Note: Routes include opthalmic or parenteral, NOT oral

Is apomorphine used in dogs or cats more?

Dogs. Apomorphines is typically NOT used in cats due to the potential to induce seizures

Which emetic is not classified as an emetic but does induce vomiting in most cats and some dogs? Also indicate what classification it is in

Xylazine, this is an alpha–2 agonist (talked about in anesthesia)

How does hydrogen peroxide or salt water work to induce vomiting?

They induce vomiting by irritating the stomach or acting on peripheral receptors, NOT the vomiting center in the brain

Fill in the blank: Antiemetics are a ______ treatment, because they do not necessarily correct the cause of the vomiting.

symptomatic

Which route are antiemetics usually given?

Parenterally, usually vomiting animals cannot be given oral medication

What are the eight antiemetic drug categories?

Remember: Millie Pukes All Over CAMP

1. Metoclopramide

2. Prochlorperazine

3. Antihistamines

4. Ondansetron/Dolasetron

5. Chlorpromazine

6. Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate

7. Maropitant citrate

8. Propantheline

Which class of pre–anesthetic drugs do chlorpromazine and prochloperazine belong to? Despite being antiemetics, they also have a sedative effect

Phenothiazines

Note: Chlorpromazine is closely related to acepromazine

Fill in the blank: Metoclopromide and maropitant citrate have both _____ and _____ acting antiemetic properties.

centrally, peripherally

Metoclopromide increases gastric contraction, speeds gastric emptying, and strengthens cardiac sphincter tone. Beyond being an antiemetic, it is very useful in relieving gastric mobility conditions such as ileus (inability to move food through intestines). Given these properties, what is a circumstance when you should NEVER use metoclopromide?

Foreign body. Forcing the body to try to move it can end up doing the intestines more damage.

What is the generic name of the commonly used, new veterinary drug Cerenia®?

Maropitant citrate

Note: It is available as a once–a–day injectable or tablet for dogs, injectable for cats

In what circumstance would maropitant citrate be given BEFORE an animal has started vomiting?

To prevent motion sickness

Note: Unlike antihistamines (often used for the same purpose), maropitant citrate does not cause drowsiness. It is also very safe

Which category of antiemetic drugs are both human drugs that must be given IV or orally and are quite expensive?

Ondansetron/Dolasetron

Note: Dolasetron only needs to be given once daily, but ondansetron 2–3 times per day

What is a circumstance where ondansetron or dolasetron may be considered?

Severe or frequent vomiting

What is the generic name of Gravol®?

Dimenhydrinate

Note: Available as an injectable or suppository

What is the generic name of Benadryl®?

Diphenhydramine

Which category of antiemetic is an anti-cholinergic, and so it reduces GIT motility and spasms? It may have a limited ability to reduce vomiting

Aminopentamide hydrogen sulfate

Which category of antiemetic is an anti-cholinergic and does help reduce vomiting and diarrhea?

Propantheline