How is nausea controlled during chemotherapy? What are the commonly used anti-nausea drugs, how are they used, and how do they differ?
Nausea and vomiting are usually well controlled by the antiemetic medications that we have available. Common anti-nausea drugs given IV are: Zofran (ondansetron) and Kytril (granisetron). Other antiemetics used either orally, intravenously or by rectal suppository are Ativan (lorazepam), Compazine (prochlorperazine), and Reglan (metoclopramide). Marinol (dronabinol) and marijuana are particularly helpful in young patients.
Nausea and vomiting are usually well controlled by the antiemetic medications that we have available. Common anti-nausea drugs given IV are: Zofran (ondansetron) and Kytril (granisetron). Other antiemetics used either orally, intravenously or by rectal suppository are Ativan (lorazepam), Compazine (prochlorperazine), and Reglan (metoclopramide). Marinol (dronabinol) and marijuana are particularly helpful in young patients. The new serotonin reuptake inhibitors, what are called H-3 blockers, have been extremely helpful for the control of nausea and vomiting.
