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Anti-nausea Treatment During Chemotherapy
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, and without treatment, can be debilitating for many patients. In order to prevent or lessen these side effects, doctors may prescribe anti-nausea medications, or antiemetics, as well as recommend other techniques such as acupuncture, biofeedback or hypnosis which can help the patient relax and provide distraction from their symptoms.
Following are some of the drugs your doctor may prescribe, how they are used and what side effects may be encountered. This list is for general information only. Always consult with your physician regarding any drug you are prescribed, and discuss any potential side effects with him or her at that time.
| Type of Treatment | Usage | Possible Side Effects |
| 5-HT3 Antagonists | ||
| Aloxi (palonosetron) Anzemet (dolasetron) Kytril (granisetron) Zofran (ondansetron) |
First-line treatments. All, with the exception of Aloxi, may be administered either orally or intravenously (IV). Aloxi is available in IV form only. | Constipation Diarrhea Dry mouth Fatigue Headache |
| Phenothiazines | ||
| Compazine (prochlorperazine) | Second-line treatment when others have failed. Used for chemotherapy drugs that carry a low to moderate risk of nausea and/or vomiting. May be administered orally, by injection or intravenously. Also may be given rectally. | Muscle spasms Restlessness Sedation |
| Cannabinoids | ||
| Marinol (dronabinol) | Second-line treatment when other drugs have failed. Contains a synthetic version of the anti-nausea ingredient in marijuana. | Changes in perception Dizziness Dry mouth Loss of coordination Low blood pressure Memory loss Mood changes Sedation Withdrawal syndrome |
| Corticosteroids | ||
| Decadron (dexamethasone) | Used for chemotherapy drugs that carry a moderate to high risk of nausea and/or vomiting. May be administered orally or intravenously, either alone or in combination with other drugs. | Anxiety Cataracts Gastrointestinal symptoms High blood sugar Mood changes Muscle weakness Long-term use of this drug may result in a weakened immune system. |
| NK-1 Receptor Antagonists | ||
| Emend (aprepitant) | Used for chemotherapy drugs which carry a high risk of nausea and/or vomiting | Fatigue Gastrointestinal symptoms Headache Low white blood cell count Weakness Allergic reactions (rarely) |
| Dopamine 2 Antagonists | ||
| Reglan (metoclopramide) | Used for chemotherapy drugs that carry an acute vomiting risk, and used in combination with other drugs. | Muscle spasms Restlessness |
| Butyrophenones | ||
| Haldol (haloperidol) Inapsine (droperidol) |
Tranquilizers used in combination with other drugs. | Low blood pressue Restlessness Sedation |
| Benzodiazepines | ||
| Ativan (lorazepam) Xanax (alprazolam) |
Anti-anxiety drugs most often used in combination with other drugs. | Changes in perception Confusion Loss of coordination Low blood pressure Psychological dependency Sedation |
| Antipsychotics | ||
| Zyprexa (olanzapine) | Used for chemotherapy drugs that carry a moderate to high risk of nausea and/or vomiting. | Increase risk of developing diabetes Sedation Weight gain |
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