If you experience nausea and vomiting as a side effect of your cancer chemotherapy, your doctor can help by prescribing antinausea drugs. These drugs can be administered orally, intravenously, or via a patch or suppository. In addition to taking an antinausea drug, you can further reduce the possibility of nausea and vomiting by drinking plenty of fluids and eating only small meals on the day of your chemotherapy session.
Dolasetron (Anzemet)
According to the Drugs.com website, dolasetron is an oral prescription medication that you take for the prevention of nausea and vomiting brought on by cancer chemotherapy. You can use it in your first session of chemotherapy and in all of your subsequent sessions. Your doctor will probably prescribe a 100 mg dose for you to take an hour before your cancer treatment begins, to allow time for the antinausea effect to take hold. Side effects of dolasetron may include headache, fatigue, diarrhea, dizziness and rapid heartbeat.
Granisetron (Kytril)
Granisetron is an oral and intravenous prescription drug that you take to prevent the nausea and vomiting that may occur after your cancer chemotherapy treatment, says the Mayo Clinic. The oral dose for adults and teenagers is 2 mg that you take up to one hour before your chemotherapy treatment. The intravenous dose is determined by your doctor, and you will get the medication via a 5-minute infusion administered 30 minutes before your chemotherapy begins. Common side effects of granisetron include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, loss of strength, and unusual tiredness. If you experience blurred vision, fever, pounding in the ears, or rapid heartbeat, you should consult with your doctor.
Ondansetron (Zofran)
According to Medline Plus, which is a website of the National Institutes of Health, ondansetron is an oral medication that is in the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor blocker class of prescription drugs. It helps to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with your chemotherapy regimen. You take your first dose 30 minutes before cancer treatment, and you may need two additional doses during your treatment. It may be necessary to take ondansetron one to three times a day for two days after your chemotherapy ends. Serious side effects include rash, hives, itching, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor right away.
