Antiemetics

Anti-sickness and gut motility medicines we stock

The medicines here control nausea and vomiting, and they work through different pathways, which is why the choice depends on the cause. Ondansetron, stocked at 4MG and 8MG in tablets and orally disintegrating forms, blocks serotonin receptors and is the mainstay for sickness caused by chemotherapy and after surgery. Domperidone at 10MG and metoclopramide at 10MG act on dopamine receptors and also speed gastric emptying, making them useful where nausea comes with a slow stomach. Itopride and mosapride are prokinetics used mainly for motility rather than acute sickness. Combination products pairing domperidone with pantoprazole or rabeprazole are common in this range.

How the classes differ in practice

The differences between them matter in practice. Metoclopramide crosses into the brain more readily than domperidone and can cause movement side effects, particularly in younger people, which is why its use is normally limited to short courses. Ondansetron commonly causes constipation and headache. Several medicines in this group, ondansetron and domperidone included, can affect the heart's QT interval, and that risk increases if they are combined with other medicines that do the same.

Orally disintegrating tablets

Orally disintegrating tablets are worth knowing about if keeping anything down is the problem: they dissolve on the tongue without water. They are moisture-sensitive and stay in the blister until use.

When sickness needs assessment instead

Some situations need assessment rather than treatment at home: vomiting that will not settle, signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain, vomit containing blood, or sickness after a head injury. Nausea in pregnancy has its own considerations and its own preferred options, so ask a doctor rather than choosing from a shelf.

Measuring syrups accurately

Syrups and suspensions in this range are dosed by volume at a stated concentration, so the measuring spoon or syringe supplied is used rather than a household spoon, which varies considerably in size.

Sourcing, expiry dates and delivery

Every product shows the molecule, strength, form and pack size, with the guaranteed minimum expiry date before purchase. All stock ships from India through licensed distributors.