Nausea is an uneasy and uncomfortable feeling that usually accompanies vomiting. Nausea can occur as a result of food poisoning, a brain tumor and certain medications among other reasons. It can be acute or it can be chronic depending upon its cause. Drugs for the treatment of nausea exist to reduce discomfort.
Promethazine
Promethazine, sold as Phenergan, Promethegan or Promacot, is a drug that is categorized as a phenothiazine. This medication decreases substances in the body that lead to nausea. Some of promethazine's less serious side effects include drowsiness, nervousness, restlessness, itching, a stuffy nose, a lack of coordination and trouble sleeping. Promethazine's serious side effects include wheezing, fainting, sweating, uncontrollable eye movements and hoarseness. It can also lead to yellowing of the skin or eyes, slowed breathing and wheezing. It is important to call a doctor if promethazine leads to these effects. Taking such medications as amoxapine, azathioprine, doxepin or imipramine may require a decrease in promethazine's dose. This medication is a liquid, suppository or tablet taken one to four times daily.
Prochlorperazine
Prochlorperazine, typically sold as Compazine, belongs to a category of medications also known as phenothiazine. Specifically, it changes the chemicals in the brain. Drugs.com says that this medication also treats schizophrenia and anxiety. Prochlorperazine's less serious side effects include dizziness, constipation, blurry vision, a skin rash, a headache and a missed period. Some of this medication's serious side effects include seizure, agitation, tremors, joint pain and slow breathing. It is important to phone a doctor if prochlorperazine leads to these effects. Suffering from seizures, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure or breast cancer may require a reduction in dosage. This medication is available as a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Ondansetron
Ondansetron, typically sold as Zofran, is another drug that specifically treats the nausea and vomiting that occurs following surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. MedlinePlus says that ondansetron belongs to a class of medicines known as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It halts the action of serotonin, a brain chemical necessary to cause vomiting and nausea. MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, says that some of ondansetron's less serious side effects include constipation, a headache, diarrhea and fatigue. Some of ondansetron's serious side effects include shortness of breath, a rash, itching and trouble swallowing. It is crucial to phone a doctor if ondansetron leads to these effects. Taking such medications as alosetron, dolasetron or palonosetron may require a reduction in ondansetron's dose. This medication is tablet or liquid taken one to two times daily or as prescribed.
