Anti-vomiting medication

introduction

Nausea and vomiting have different causes and are very uncomfortable. Persistent vomiting can even be dangerous, especially in small children and very old people: it can lead to a lack of fluids (desiccosis) and disturbances of the electrolyte balance, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, a good therapy for vomiting is very important. The following article is intended to provide an overview of the most important anti-vomiting drugs and to elaborate on selected relevant everyday information.

Areas of application

Nausea and vomiting are common and very uncomfortable complaints that in the context of very different diseases and states occur. Gastrointestinal infections, food poisoning, but also certain drugs, such as chemotherapy drugs, can cause vomiting. Sometimes the nausea is so severe that medicinal measures must be taken. There are very different drugs against vomiting. A distinction is made between over-the-counter drugs, which can be obtained over the counter in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription, and active ingredients that require a prescription.

In some situations, anti-vomiting medication should also be taken as a preventive measure (prophylaxis), e.g. before an operation during anesthesia or immediately after an operation. Also in the Treatment of tumors Anti-vomiting drugs play a very important role. They are often taken to prevent the side effects of other drugs and to prevent vomiting.

Over-the-counter anti-vomiting drugs

If you suffer from nausea and vomiting, you will find some over-the-counter medications in the pharmacy that can help against the symptoms. They are especially helpful for mild nausea and moderate vomiting. Such preparations are also well suited to relieve nausea before traveling.
However, if you have been vomiting very often for several days, making it impossible to eat and drink, it is advisable to consult a doctor and refrain from self-medication in order to avoid damage to health.

An active ingredient that is often bought and popular is dimenhydrinate, which most people in Germany are familiar with under the trade name “Vomex®”. There are also other trade names and combination preparations that contain the active ingredient. It helps to prevent nausea and vomiting and also has a calming effect. Some people may feel drowsy or drowsy. Other side effects are rare but can occur. These include, for example, dry mouth, visual disturbances and an increase in intraocular pressure.

More information can be found here: Vomex®

Diphenhydramine is another active ingredient that can also be obtained from pharmacies without a prescription. In Germany, the drug is known under the trade name "Emesan®" and is available in both tablets and suppositories.

Contrary to some claims on various websites, the active ingredient ondansetron (trade name Zofran®) is not available without a prescription, but requires a prescription. Therefore, please refrain from purchasing from a non-licensed online pharmacy.

Please also read the articles: Home remedies for gastrointestinal flu, home remedies for nausea

Prescription anti-vomiting medication

There are a number of different prescription drugs that are used to prevent vomiting. You can find at severe vomiting and nausea, for Accompaniment of chemotherapy, in the travel sickness and at Bowel movement disorders Application. The following section is only intended to provide an overview of the most important active ingredients and their areas of application and does not claim to be complete.

Dopamine receptor antagonists

Metoclopramide, known as MCP, and Domperidone are important representatives of this group. They work well against nausea and vomiting and increase intestinal motility. For example, after operations used to prevent vomiting, but can also be found in the Treatment of cancer patientswho suffer from nausea, their application.

You can read more information on this topic here: Metoclopramide (MCP)

Serotonin receptor antagonists

They are important representatives of this group Ondansetron and granisetron. They are particularly effective in patients because of their Chemotherapy or radiation therapy suffer from nausea.

Anticholinergics

The main representative of this group is that Scopolamine, which is particularly important in the travel sickness in form of Medication patch is applied. This is a slightly modified form of this active ingredient Butylscopolaminewhich has fewer side effects.
Both drugs can also be used Gastrointestinal paralysis (Atony) can be used. Such atonia can develop after operations on the corresponding organs.
Please also read our topic on this Anticholinergics.

Neurokinin receptor antagonist

The active substance Aprepitant is mainly used in the therapy of nausea and vomiting after surgery or as part of a chemotherapy used.

Glucocorticoids

The active ingredient dexamethasone belongs to the cortisone group and is usually used in combination with other active ingredients that are supposed to prevent vomiting. The most important area of ​​application is Nausea after anesthesia and after surgery represent.

Medicines for vomiting and diarrhea

Active ingredients that are effective in helping against vomiting and diarrhea are basically not available. If you have severe nausea and diarrhea, come sooner Combinations of active ingredients in question, one of which is effective against vomiting and the other against diarrhea.

Active ingredients that are used in the therapy of diarrhea are, for example. Loperamide or etracidin.
The nausea and vomiting are treated separately with special drugs. These include, for example, Vomex, MCP drops and Ondansetron.

Much more important, however, is usually sufficient Fluid and electrolyte supply.
Of course, home remedies can also help fight nausea and diarrhea.
However, if the symptoms have persisted for a long time, a doctor should be consulted, since a constant loss of fluid in particular can be potentially life-threatening.

Medication for nausea and vomiting

Vomiting is usually triggered by or preceded by nausea. If you fight nausea, vomiting usually stops too. The anti-vomiting drugs also work against nausea and vice versa.

You can also read more information on this topic here: Nausea medication

Anti-vomiting medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Concern nausea and vomiting over 80% of pregnant women. Therefore, anti-vomiting drugs are particularly popular during pregnancy. However, this also represents one with regard to the use of medication Exceptional situation Not every drug should be taken during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn child or the mother.

However, there are some medications for nausea and vomiting that can be used. This includes the active ingredient Meclozin.
Another active ingredient that is also used during pregnancy is that Dimenhydrinate (Vomex®). However, this may only be used in the first and second trimesters, i.e. only in the first six months of pregnancy. In the last trimester of pregnancy, dimenhydrinate can increase the likelihood of a Premature birth increase and should therefore be avoided.
In the second trimester (4-6th month), in particular, is the active ingredient Metoclopramide (MCP) to recommend.

If there is no improvement in nausea and vomiting despite therapy with meclozin, dimenhydrinate or metoclopramide, the active ingredients should be used Promethazine and ondansetron conceivable. However, these active ingredients are only to be used if there is no longer any other therapeutic option.

In general, one should refrain from taking medication during pregnancy without the harmlessness of the active ingredient beforehand medically clarified to have. This also applies to over-the-counter drugs. Otherwise there is a risk of harm to mother and child.

Medication that can induce vomiting

Vomiting and nausea are often unpleasant side effects that can occur during therapy with certain active substances. A group of drugs known to many people that can cause nausea and vomiting is the group of Chemotherapy drugs (Cytostatics). These drugs are administered in cancer therapy as so-called chemotherapy.
However, there are many other drugs that can cause vomiting. In therapy with Opioids (strong painkillers) nausea and vomiting occur especially in the first few days. Some of the most popular drugs that can cause this side effect are Beta blockers, Parkinson's medication as the L-dopa, Digitalis glycosides (Digoxin and Digitoxin)or Iron supplements. Also some antibiotics like that Tetracyclines can cause vomiting.