Antiemetics (Nausea, Vomiting Management)

⚕️ Antiemetics: Key Medicines & Brands in India

🔹 Introduction

Nausea aur vomiting common symptoms hain jo multiple conditions se ho sakte hain:

  • Gastroenteritis, motion sickness
  • Drug-induced (chemotherapy, opioids)
  • Postoperative nausea & vomiting
  • Pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum)

Treatment ka goal hai symptom relief, hydration maintain karna, aur underlying cause treat karna. Doctors commonly antiemetic classes prescribe karte hain based on mechanism & severity.

🔹 1. 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists

✦ Ondansetron

  • Brands: Emeset, Zofran
  • Use:
    • Chemotherapy-induced nausea & vomiting
    • Postoperative nausea & vomiting
    • Gastroenteritis-related vomiting
  • Note: Oral, IV, or ODT (orally disintegrating tablet) forms available

✦ Granisetron

  • Brand: Kytril
  • Use: Similar indications as Ondansetron
  • Note: Long-acting injection forms for chemotherapy patients

🔹 2. Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists

✦ Domperidone

  • Brands: Domstal, Motilium
  • Use: Nausea & vomiting due to functional dyspepsia, gastritis, delayed gastric emptying
  • Note: Peripheral D2 antagonist, less CNS side effects

✦ Metoclopramide

  • Brand: Perinorm
  • Use: Nausea & vomiting due to gastroparesis, chemotherapy, or postoperative causes
  • Note: Central & peripheral action, long-term use may cause extrapyramidal symptoms

🔹 3. NK-1 Receptor Antagonists (for Chemotherapy-induced Nausea)

✦ Aprepitant

  • Brand: Emend
  • Use: Prevents acute & delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea & vomiting
  • Note: Oral capsules, usually part of combination therapy with 5-HT3 antagonists & steroids

🔹 4. Other Supportive Measures

  • Ginger extract / herbal antiemetics – Mild nausea relief
  • Hydration & electrolytes – Especially in gastroenteritis
  • Combination therapy – In severe or refractory cases, multiple antiemetics may be combined

📝 Conclusion

Antiemetic therapy depends on cause, severity, and patient profile:

  • 5-HT3 antagonists → Chemotherapy, post-op, acute severe vomiting
  • Dopamine antagonists → Functional GI disorders, mild to moderate nausea
  • NK-1 antagonists → Resistant or chemotherapy-induced vomiting

Treatment should always consider hydration & electrolyte balance along with drug therapy.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice. Always consult a gastroenterologist or physician before starting any antiemetic therapy.

Scroll to Top