Chapter 28, Problem 5RE

Summary Introduction

To describe: The reason why anticholinergic drugs are often effective in treating the nausea and vomiting that accompany motion sickness but are relatively ineffective in treating the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy agents used in the treatment of cancer.

Introduction: Nausea is defined as an irksome painless illusory perception that one will imminently vomit. The underlying mechanisms associated with nausea are complicated and include psychological states, the CNS, the autonomic nervous system, and the endocrine system. In contrast, Nausea and vomiting are also severe side effects of tumor chemotherapy that can generate significant adverse effects on patients' quality of life and on their capability to endure and comply with therapy.