Nausea refers to the feeling of having to vomit. According to The American College of Gastroenterology, vomiting occurs most often as a protective measure to expel any dangerous substances the sufferer may have swallowed. It may also happen during times of an inflammation or infection in the body. Nausea may or may not signal that vomiting will occur. Ingestion of certain medications commonly causes nausea, but there are also medications that can prevent it, including several intravenous types.
Prochlorperazine
Prochlorperazine, an intravenous medication, treats nausea, according to "Palliative Care Perspectives" by James L. Hallenbeck, M.D. It belongs to a class of medicines called conventional antipsychotics. PubMed Health reports this drug effectively decreases atypical excitement in the brain, and also finds use in the treatment of mental illness. Side effects of this drug include blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, agitation, drooling, weight gain and development of breast milk and enlarged breasts.
Metoclopramide
According to "Palliative Care Perspectives," metoclopramide may be given intravenously for the treatment of nausea. It belongs to a class of medications called prokinetic agents, and works by increasing the speed by which food moves through the stomach and intestines. It most often finds use for nausea treatment in cancer patients while undergoing chemotherapy treatment, but physicians also prescribe it to relieve heartburn. MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, reports the side effects of this nausea medication include fatigue, weakness, headache, diarrhea, breast enlargement and frequent urination.
Total Parenteral Nutrition
The American College of Gastroenterology indicates total parenteral nutrition given intravenously as a treatment for nausea. Total parenteral nutrition, or TPN, is a solution containing critical nutrients and vitamins that transmits directly into the bloodstream. The Cleveland Clinic reports that treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum, a rare disorder during pregnancy that causes severe nausea, includes TPN to calm the stomach. According to MedlinePlus, side effects include mouth sores, poor night vision and skin changes.
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