Nausea is an uncomfortable feeling that can occur after eating contaminated food, being in a turbulent airplane, suffering from a certain medical condition such as a brain tumor or taking chemotherapy medications such as capcitabine. Usually, nausea goes hand-in-hand with vomiting. Fortunately, medications exist to control nausea.
Dolasetron
Dolasetron is a medication used to manage the nausea and vomiting that accompanies chemotherapy treatment, anesthesia and certain surgeries, says MedlinePlus. Specifically, dolasetron is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that works to block the part of the brain that triggers vomiting.
Dolasetron's common effects include chills, heartburn, diarrhea, a headache, pain and fever. This drug can also lead to fatigue, itching and a rash. Call a doctor when dolasetron's common effects remain for more than six to seven days.
This medication's serious effects include a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat. Talk to a doctor right away when dolasetron causes these effects.
Taking dolasetron with such medications as dofetilide, cisapride, erythromycin, sotalol and moxifloxacin may require an adjustment in dolasetron's dose.
Dolasetron is available as a tablet typically taken 1 hour prior to chemotherapy or 2 hours prior to surgery.
Trimethobenzamide Hydrochloride
Trimethobenzamide hydrochloride is a medication used to manage persistent vomiting in people who suffer from a serious illness such as cancer.
Drugs.com says that trimethobenzamide hydrochloride's side effects include blurry vision, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness and headaches. Convulsions occur when the brain is producing abnormal electrical activity. Prolonged convulsions can lead to serious brain damage. This drug also causes depression, muscle cramps, tremors and yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Jaundice is an indication of liver problems. Talk to a doctor when trimethobenzamide hydrochloride causes these effects.
Trimethobenzamide hydrochloride can lead to drowsiness so it is important not to drive or control any heavy machinery while taking this medication.
This drug is available as a rectal suppository and should be taken as indicated.
Granisetron
Granisetron is a medication used to treat nausea and vomiting in people receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Specifically, this medication blocks a chemical in the brain called serotonin. This chemical is responsible for leading to nausea and vomiting.
MedlinePlus says that granisetron's common effects include drowsiness, dizziness, a headache, a fever, a cough, heartburn and dizziness. Granisetron can also lead to trouble sleeping, nervousness, stomach pain, a fever and constipation. Call a physician when granisetron's effects last for more than five days.
Granisetron's serious effects include difficulty swallowing or breathing, blurry vision, fainting, hives and itching. Go to the emergency room right away when granisetron causes these effects.
Granisetron is available as a liquid or tablet that is typically taken one hour prior to chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
