The Pharmacological and Clinical Roles of Antiemetics: A Narrative Review

Emesis (e.g., vomiting and nausea) can be a nebulous condition to treat, as it has many and highly varied etiologies. Understanding the underlying causes of emesis is crucial in selecting the appropriate antiemetic therapy. At present, there are a plethora of medications on the market to treat emesis, known as antiemetics. For the healthcare professionals managing emesis, key concerns include efficacy, the onset of effects, and potential adverse actions of these drugs. The present investigation reviews different classes of antiemetics and specific clinical uses for each based on pharmacological action. In addition, a few emerging treatment options are discussed, including cannabinoids, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and combination formulations such as Diclegis (doxylamine-pyridoxine), prompting avenues for future roles in the management of emesis.