Nausea and vomiting are common side effects among people receiving chemotherapy for cancer. CancerCare.org explains that nausea and vomiting may be caused from chemical reactions in the brain once chemotherapy is given or because the lining of the stomach is damaged from chemotherapy. Nausea and vomiting may occur hours to days after chemotherapy administration. Antiemetics, or drugs that fight nausea and vomiting, can make patients' lives a bit easier.
Serotonin Antagonists
Serotonin antagonists are antiemetics that block the signals to the brain that cause vomiting. These medications can be given before and after chemotherapy administration to prevent nausea and vomiting. CancerCare.org lists Aloxi, Zofran, Kytril, and Anzemet as serotonin antagonists. These medications come in injectable, liquid or pill form.
Corticosteroids
The most widely used corticosteroid for nausea and vomiting today is dexamethasone, also known as Decadron or Hexadrol. Another common steroid is methylprednisolone, or Medrol. Doctors give these drugs either before and after chemotherapy, in either injectable or pill form. The Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing and CancerCare.org both state that corticoisteroids work best when paired with serotonin antagonists.
Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Dopamine receptor antagonists have been around for many years and include Reglan, Haldol, Inapsine, Compazine and Thorazine. These medications have been replaced in many cases by serotonin antagonists, because many patients experience unwanted side effects with dopamine receptor antagonists, such as tremors and drowsiness. Some of these medications are effective against nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy only if used in high doses. These medications can be found in pill, suppository, liquid and injectable forms.
Cannibinoids
THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, has been used to make cannibinoid medications. These medications have been effective in stopping nausea and vomiting, but are typically used when other medications have failed. Brand name cannibinoids include Marinol and Cesamet. These medications typically come in pill or liquid form.
Adjunct Medications
Adjunct medications are medications that do not prevent or stop nausea and vomiting on their own, but help with discomforts associated with nausea and vomiting. Some of these medications include Ativan, Xanax, Valium, and Benadryl. These medications are most effective when paired with serotonin antagonists or corticosteroids. Adjunct medications are particularly helpful in treating anticipatory nausea and vomiting, in those patients who are so accustomed to experiencing these side effects that they begin have nausea and vomiting before treatments even begin. Anticipatory nausea and vomiting are thought to be related to anxiety.
References
- Cancer Care: Coping with Nausea and Vomiting from Chemotherapy
- "Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing"; J. Itano, Ph.D, and K Taoka, MSN; 2005
