Antiemetic
A drug that prevents or treats nausea and vomiting. Cannabinoids (dronabinol, nabilone) are FDA-approved antiemetics for chemotherapy-induced nausea.
In Depth
Cannabinoids were among the first antiemetics used in oncology, predating modern 5-HT3 antagonists (ondansetron) and NK1 antagonists (aprepitant). They remain clinically useful for patients who fail standard antiemetics. The antiemetic mechanism involves CB1 receptor activation in the brainstem's vomiting center. Cannabinoids also have appetite-stimulating effects that may benefit cancer patients with cachexia.
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