Antiemetic Drugs Flashcards
What is the emetic response?
A reflex brought about by activating the vomiting center either directly or indirectly
Where are the direct-acting stimuli that activate the vomiting center from?
The cerebral cortex (anticipation or fear)
Sensory organs (upsetting sights, noxious odors or pain)
Vestibular apparatus of the inner ear
What are the indirect stimuli that activate the vomiting center?
First activate the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) which in return activates the vomiting center
How does the activation of CTZ occur?
By signal from the stomach and the small intestine (traveling along the vagal afferents)
By the direct action of emetogenic compounds that are carried to the CTZ in the blood.
What are examples of emetogenic compounds?
Anticancer drugs
Opioids
Ipecac
What is the result of activation of the CTZ?
Once activated, the vomiting center signals the stomach, diaphragm, and abdominal muscles, resulting in a coordinated response of expulsion of gastric contents
What are the receptors involved in the activation of CTZ? (7)
Serotonin
Glucocorticoids
Substance P
Neurokinin 1
Dopamine
Acetylcholine
Histamine
What is the general MOA of antiemetics?
Blocking or activating or or more of the receptors
What is the prototype drug of serotonin antagonists?
Ondansetron
What is the prototype drug of glucocorticoids?
Dexamethasone
What is the prototype drug of substance P/ neurokinin-1 antagonist?
Aprepitant
What is the prototype drug of benzodiazepine?
Lorazepam
What is the prototype drug of dopamine antagonists?
Prochlorperazine
What is the prototype drug of cannabinoids?
Dronabinol
What is chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting? (CINV)
Nausea and vomiting due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, nutrient depletion and esophageal tears
What is the main drawback of CINV?
It can be so serious that patients may discontinue therapy rather than endure further discomfort
What are three types of emesis associated with chemotherapy?
Anticipatory
Acute
Delayed
What is the mechanism of CINV?
Chemotherapy –> indirect and direct way of activating vomiting center–> serotonin release (GIT) / substance P (CTZ) –> 5-HT3 receptors/NK1 receptors –> CINV
What is the anticipatory emesis from chemotherapy?
Occurs before drugs are actually given, triggered by the memory of severe nausea and vomiting
What is the acute emesis from chemotehrapy?
Begins within minutes to a few hours after receiving chemotherapy and often resolves within 24 hours
What is the delayed emesis form chemotherapy?
Develops a day or more after drug administration
What is an example of delayed emetic drug?
Cisplatin emesis is maximal 48 to 72 hours after dosing and can persist for 6 to 7 days
What are antiemetics most effective for?
Most effective at preventing CINV rather than suppressing it once it has already begun
What does the antiemetic regimen depend on?
On the emetogenic potential of the chemotherapy drugs used:
If highly emetogenic –> 3 drugs
If moderately emetogenic –> 2 drugs
If barely emetogenic –> 1 drug
Which are the most effective drugs at suppressing nausea and vomiting caused by anticancer drugs?
Serotonin receptor antagonists
What are serotonin receptor antagonists effective against?
Nausea and vomiting associated with radiation therapy, anesthesia, viral gatsritis and pregnancy
What are the examples of serotonin receptor antagonists?
Ondansetron (prototype)
Granisetron (10 to 15x more potent than prototype)
Dolasetron
Palonosetron
What is Ondansetron approved for?
CINV
Vomiting associated with radiation therapy and anesthesia
Used off-label for other causes
What other causes is Ondansetron used for?
Childhood viral gastritis and morning sickness of pregnancy
What is the MOA of Ondansetron?
Blocks type 3 serotonin in CTZ and on afferent vagal neurons in the upper GIT
What is the effectiveness of Ondansetron like?
Very effective by itself, and even more effective when combined with dexamethasone
What is the administration route of Ondansetron?
Oral or parenteral
What are the side effects of Ondansetron?
Headache, diarrhea, dizziness
QT interval prolongation and increased risk of Torsades de Pointes
Why does Ondansetron not cause extrapyramidal effects?
It does not block the dopamine receptors
What are the extrapyramidal effects?
Akathisia, acute dystonia
Which kind of drugs cause extrapyramidal effects?
Antiemetic phenothiazines
What is the MOA of Granisetron?
Blocks 5-HT3 receptors on afferent vagal neurons and in the CTZ
What is Granisetron approved for?
Nausea and vomiting associated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery
What are the adverse effects of Granisetron?
Headache, weakness, tiredness and diarrhea/constipation
What is the administration route of Granisetron?
PO
IV
Transdermal
What is Dolasetron approved for?
CINV and postoperative nausea and vomiting
What is the administration route of Dolasetron?
PO
IV
What are the side effects of Dolasetron?
Same as the other serotonin antagonists
What is the important exception when it comes to Dolasetron?
When given in high doses (IV), it poses a significant risk of fatal dysrhythmias
High dose - IV therapy should not be used, oral therapy and low-dose IV therapies are considered safe
What is Palonosetron?
A second generation serotonin antagonist
What is Palonosetron approved for?
CINV and postoperative nausea and vomiting
What is the MOA of Palonosetron?
Same mechanism, efficacy, and side effects as the rest of the serotonin antagonists
What are the two main differences of Palonosetron?
Has a much longer half-life
Effective against delayed emesis (as well as acute emesis ), whereas the others are most effective against acute emesis
What is the half-life of Palonosetron?
40 hours compared to the 8 hours (another serotonin antagonist)
Why is Palonosetron more effective against delayed emesis?
Due to its longer half-life
What are the administration routes of Palonosetron?
PO
IV
What are the glucocorticoids used to suppress CINV?
Methylprednisolone
Dexamethasone