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Antiemetics are drugs that reduce nausea or prevent vomiting. They come in various types and strengths, including over-the-counter and prescription medications. They are commonly used during chemotherapy and surgeries, and some non-sedative options, such as ginger, are also effective.
Antiemetics, sometimes spelled antiemetics, refer to many different medications that can reduce nausea or keep people from vomiting. They come in a variety of strengths and drug types and have many different uses. Simple motion sickness pills that a person buys over the counter are antiemetics, but for more severe nausea there are many pills or prescription drugs that can only be administered by an anesthetist, to prevent nausea. These drugs can also be viewed as the opposite of emetics, which are drugs used to induce vomiting.
There are many types of over-the-counter antiemetics, and many of them are antihistamines. Common ones include diphenhydramine or Benadryl®. Diphenhydramine is often used to treat cases of motion sickness. Another fairly common over-the-counter antiemetic is meclizine, which can be used to treat motion sickness caused by conditions such as labyrinthitis, which affects the ears and creates dizziness. While these drugs can work effectively, they also have the downside of putting many people to sleep, but obviously many people would rather sleep than feel chronically nauseous.
There are prescription antihistamines that could be used as antiemetics, and there are other medications that are effective as well. Some benzodiazepines, known as tranquilizers, have been shown to have anti-nausea effects. Alternatively, when nausea needs to be stopped quickly, antipsychotics such as prochlorperazine (compazine®) may be used. Compazine® is regularly used in hospitals when people have severe vomiting, but it causes sedation and continued use risks all the side effects associated with typical antipsychotic drugs.
There are a few specific reasons why antiemetics are prescribed for certain types of treatment. In chemotherapy, nausea occurs frequently, both during and after chemo administration. Patients might get an anti-nausea drug with their treatment and then use one at home, not always to great effect. Some very effective anti-nausea drugs, such as cannabis, are illegal or very difficult to obtain legally, depending on where people live. Many may find help with easier-to-obtain medications that can come in pills, patches, or suppositories.
During surgeries, many forms of anesthesia have nausea as a side effect. Anesthesiologists also often administer an antiemetic, to prevent vomiting and aspiration during a procedure and to aid in recovery. One of the most commonly used is the drug Versed®, but others such as dolasetron may be preferred.
There are antiemetics that do not have a sedative effect and may be useful for some forms of nausea. A common one is sold in many pharmacies and is called Emetrol®. Its active ingredient is phosphoric acid, the same ingredient in many forms of cola. Those who are trying to stop a child from vomiting could try giving small sips of cola once an hour to see if it works. There are caffeine-free versions of cola available in many brands.
For centuries, women have used ginger as an antiemetic during pregnancy, and 2008 studies confirmed what many women have known for years. Ginger is actually quite effective in reducing morning sickness. It can be taken both cooked into foods and used in things like tea. In fact, as of 2009, the benefits of ginger began to be studied in people undergoing chemotherapy, and it appears that as an add-on therapy it may benefit people and more effectively reduce the side effects of chemo.
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