Complications

Pathophysiology

Differential diagnosis

Treatment

An antiemetic is a drug that is effective against vomiting and nausea. Antiemetics are typically used to treat motion sickness and the side effects of medications such as opioids and chemotherapy.[citation needed] Antiemetics act by inhibiting the receptor sites associated with emesis. Hence, anticholinergics, antihistamines, dopamine antagonists, serotonin antagonists, and cannabinoids are used as antiemetics.[26] Evidence to support the use of antiemetics for nausea and vomiting among adults in the emergency department is poor.[27] It is unclear if any medication is better than another or better than no active treatment.[27]

Epidemiology

Nausea and/or vomiting are the main complaints in 1.6% of visits to family physicians in Australia.[28]

Society and culture

Herodotus, writing on the culture of the ancient Persians and highlighting the differences with those of the Greeks, notes that to vomit in the presence of others is prohibited among Persians.[29][30]

See also