Which drug classification prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting (Dramamine, Marinol, Phenergan, Reglan, Tigan)?

Which drug classification prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting (Dramamine, Marinol, Phenergan, Reglan, Tigan)?

• A. Antihistamine
• B. Antiemetic
• C. Antidepressant
• D. Antibiotic

Answer: (B)

Nausea and vomiting are treated with antiemetics—drugs whose job is to prevent or relieve those symptoms. The medicines listed—Dramamine, Marinol, Phenergan, Reglan, and Tigan—are all used for this purpose, though they work in different ways (for example, some block histamine receptors, some act on cannabinoid or dopamine receptors, and others promote gastric emptying). Because they share the intended effect of stopping or reducing nausea and vomiting, the broad drug classification that fits all of them is antiemetic. Other options aren’t as fitting because antidepressants and antibiotics aren’t primarily used for nausea/vomiting, and antihistamines are a mechanism some antiemetics use, not the overarching therapeutic class for these drugs.

Nausea and vomiting are treated with antiemetics—drugs whose job is to prevent or relieve those symptoms. The medicines listed—Dramamine, Marinol, Phenergan, Reglan, and Tigan—are all used for this purpose, though they work in different ways (for example, some block histamine receptors, some act on cannabinoid or dopamine receptors, and others promote gastric emptying). Because they share the intended effect of stopping or reducing nausea and vomiting, the broad drug classification that fits all of them is antiemetic. Other options aren’t as fitting because antidepressants and antibiotics aren’t primarily used for nausea/vomiting, and antihistamines are a mechanism some antiemetics use, not the overarching therapeutic class for these drugs.