Benzodiazepines as antiemetics

Q: Benzodiazepines are relatively strong antiemetic agents and are less utilized for this purpose.

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

The benzodiazepines are weak antiemetic agents. Although it has been used for this purpose, particularly in Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV), most of its benefits are from reducing anticipatory emesis.

They can be best utilized in combination with other effective anti-emetic dexamethasone and metoclopramide in CINV to reduce anxiety-associated nausea and vomiting.

#GI

#pharmacology

References:

1. Bowcock SJ, Stockdale AD, Bolton JA, et al. Antiemetic prophylaxis with high dose metoclopramide or lorazepam in vomiting induced by chemotherapy. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1984; 288:1879.

2. Kris MG, Gralla RJ, Clark RA, et al. Antiemetic control and prevention of side effects of anti-cancer therapy with lorazepam or diphenhydramine when used in combination with metoclopramide plus dexamethasone. A double-blind, randomized trial. Cancer 1987; 60:2816.