Non-Analgesic Effects of Opioids: Opioid-induced Nausea and Vomiting: Mechanisms and Strategies for their Limitation

Title:Non-Analgesic Effects of Opioids: Opioid-induced Nausea and Vomiting: Mechanisms and Strategies for their Limitation

Volume: 18 Issue: 37

Author(s): Flaminia Coluzzi, Alessandra Rocco, Ilenia Mandatori and Consalvo Mattia

Affiliation:

Keywords: Opioid, nausea, vomiting, postoperative, chemotherapy, neurokinin, serotonin, chemoreceptor trigger zone, pain, aprepitant.

Abstract: Nausea and vomiting are common gastrointestinal symptoms following opioid administration, for either chronic or acute pain management. As a consequence, patients’ dissatisfaction has a negative impact on treatment efficacy. A number of mechanisms have been identified, involving both central and peripheral sites. This article will review the pathophysiology of opioid-induced nausea and vomiting and the various pharmacological treatments currently available for its management. Preventive strategies and therapeutic approaches are evaluated in the perioperative setting and in chronic pain. Newer drugs include second generation serotonin receptor antagonists (palonosetron) and neurokinin-1 (NK-1) antagonists (aprepitant).

Cite this article as:

Coluzzi Flaminia, Rocco Alessandra, Mandatori Ilenia and Mattia Consalvo, Non-Analgesic Effects of Opioids: Opioid-induced Nausea and Vomiting: Mechanisms and Strategies for their Limitation, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2012; 18 (37) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161212803582540