What is the first-line treatment for nausea induced by chemotherapy?

The first-line treatment for nausea induced by chemotherapy is ondansetron, which is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. This medication is particularly effective for preventing and treating nausea and vomiting that occur as a result of chemotherapy, especially in patients receiving highly emetogenic regimens.

The mechanism of action of ondansetron involves blocking the action of serotonin at the 5-HT3 receptors in the central nervous system, which plays a key role in the vomiting reflex. By inhibiting serotonin signaling, ondansetron effectively reduces the incidence of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing treatment with chemotherapy.

This is particularly important since chemotherapy can lead to significant nausea and vomiting, which can affect patient tolerance to treatment, hydration status, and overall quality of life. Ondansetron has been well-studied and demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety profiles, making it a preferred choice in clinical practice.

While other options like metoclopramide, diphenhydramine, and prochlorperazine can be used for nausea, they are generally not considered first-line for chemotherapy-induced nausea in the context of modern treatment protocols. For instance, metoclopramide has prokinetic properties and may be utilized in certain cases but is generally less effective than ond