TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING THE ETIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF THE EMETIC REFLEX - NOVEL APPROACHES TO ANTIEMETIC DRUGS

The introduction of 5-HT3 antagonists, such as ondansetron, as antieme tic agents has transformed the management of patients receiving chemot herapy or radiation therapy. Studies in animal models with NK1 antagon ists suggest that these represent a new class of antiemetic agents hav ing a broader spectrum of activity than 5-HT3 antagonists. Compounds o f this class may prove to be more effective in man against delayed eme sis induced by cisplatin, postoperative nausea and vomiting and motion sickness. Thus, they have the potential to complement 5-HT3 antagonis ts and so provide a further advance in the management of nausea and vo miting.