Antiemetic and Antinausea Drugs

Question 1

Antihistamine Drugs (H1 Receptor Blockers)

Answer 1

MECLIZINE (ANTIVERT)

Work on the inner ear

Can be used for motion sickness

Question 2

Antidopaminergic Drugs

Answer 2

PROMETHAZINE (PHENERGAN)

Work on the inner ear and chemoreceptor trigger zone

Question 3

Prokinetic Drugs

Answer 3

METOCLOPRAMIDE (REGLAN)

Work on the GI tract, inner ear, and chemoreceptor trigger zone

Question 4

Serotonin Blockers

Answer 4

ONDANSETRON (ZOFRAN)

Work on the GI tract, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and vomiting center in the medulla

Question 5

Nursing Implications

Answer 5

FOR CHEMOTHERAPY, ANTIEMETICS ARE OFTEN GIVEN 30-60 MINUTES BEFORE CHEMOTHERAPY BEGINS

Taking antiemetics with alcohol may cause severe CNS depression

Many of these drugs cause severe drowsiness

Teach patients to change positions slowly to avoid hypotensive effects