Anti emetics in Chemotherapy is generally given after the administration of chemotherapy  drugs. This is because nausea and vomiting are very notable symptoms of chemotherapy. Anti emetics help control the feeling of nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are controlled by an area in the brain known as vomiting center. Vomiting is characterized by formation of a chemical called serotonin in brain that stimulates the nerves in stomach or gut area to cause vomiting. Secretion of serotonin could be triggered by many factors like:

1. Use of chemotherapy drugs
2. Use of radiations in the brain and abdominal area
3. Emotional and mental distress
4. Formation of some hormones in the body like estrogen and progesterone

Anti emetic or anti sickness drugs are given by following routes:

1. Orally: Some anti emetic or anti sickness tablets are given before the dose of chemotherapy drugs
2. Intravenously: Some anti emetic drugs are given by an infusion into the vein to reach the blood stream directly
3. Intramuscular: Intramuscular injections are given to control the muscular movements of stomach or gut during vomiting
4. Subcutaneously: Some drugs are administered into the fatty acid layer that deposit under the skin as a subcutaneous layer
5. Skin Patches: Some anti emetic drugs could be absorbed from the epidermal layer of skin through patches of anti emetic that are changed in every three days

Anti emetic drugs are often given in combinations to control nausea and vomiting. Some common anti emetic drugs are:

1. Anti-histamine drugs: Cyclizine is an anti histamine drug that is often given to control nausea
2. Prochlorperazine: Prochlorperazine controls the vomiting center of the brain, thereby regulating nausea. This medicine is given as a tablet to be consumed orally
3. Metoclopramide and domperidone: These drugs stimulate the emptying of stomach thereby controlling any feeling of sickness
4. 5HT3 Inhibitors: These drugs are most commonly used to treat the sickness arising out of chemotherapy. These are often given with a steroid. 5HT3 Inhibitors work by blocking Serotonin which induces the feeling of nausea
5. Neurokin 1 Inhibitors: These drugs inhibit the chemical Neurokin, which cause nausea in the body. These are usually coupled with steroids

Some anti emetic drugs might exhibit few side effects. However, the reactions may vary in every patient with a drug being used. Some common side effects that erupt due to a predisposition of anti emetic drugs are:

1. Constipation
2. Flushing of the skin
3. Feeling weak and tired
4. Indigestion
5. Twitching at face, neck and shoulders

Although the feeling of nausea and vomiting is not persistent, it vitiates once the treatment is over. Some self care tips to control the feeling of sickness beyond the use of anti emetics in chemotherapy could be beneficial in short run. These include avoid eating oily and fried food; eat small amount of food and eat frequently; this can be helpful; chew your food well into smaller particles as this helps in the digestion. You can also take peppermint tea when feeling sick, this might subside the uneasiness. Avoid drinking plenty of water immediately before or after the meal.

Nausea and vomiting (emesis) are one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy treatments. However, a lot of research has been done in the past decade and researchers have come up with drugs that can help to minimize this side effect. The anti emetics used in chemotherapy have been found to quite effective. Many patients may want to skip the dosage of these drugs unless they experience emesis. Actually, these anti emetics should be continued even if you do not experience any nausea or vomiting while undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.