Emetics and Antiemetics

Emetics and antiemetics are medications used to treat vomiting and nausea. Emetics are drugs that induce vomiting, while antiemetics are drugs that reduce or prevent vomiting. Emetics are used to rid the stomach of toxins and foreign substances, while antiemetics can be used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by certain medical conditions, medications, or chemo or radiation therapy. Emetics work by stimulating the vomiting reflex in the brain, which sends a signal to the stomach to contract and expel the contents. Common emetics include ipecac syrup, apomorphine, and emetine. Ipecac syrup is a syrup made from the root of a South American shrub, and it is generally taken orally. Apomorphine is a synthetic drug that is injected intravenously, and it is used in emergency situations. Emetine is an alkaloid derived from the ipecac root, and it is administered as an injection. Antiemetics work by blocking certain chemicals in the brain that cause nausea and vomiting. Common antiemetics include antihistamines like promethazine, serotonin receptor blockers like ondansetron, and dopamine receptor blockers like metoclopramide.