To decrease nausea commonly associated with opioid therapy, which medication is used?

To decrease nausea commonly associated with opioid therapy, which medication is used?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Antihistamine
• C. Phenergan
• D. Ibuprofen

Answer: (C)

Opioid-induced nausea occurs because opioids stimulate the brain’s vomiting center and slow gastric emptying. An antiemetic with strong effectiveness in this setting is promethazine (Phenergan). It blocks dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and also has antihistamine effects, which together blunt the nausea signal and help with related vertigo or motion sensations. Among the options, this medication is specifically aimed at controlling nausea, whereas acetaminophen and ibuprofen address pain, and a generic antihistamine may be less reliable for opioid-related nausea.

Opioid-induced nausea occurs because opioids stimulate the brain’s vomiting center and slow gastric emptying. An antiemetic with strong effectiveness in this setting is promethazine (Phenergan). It blocks dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and also has antihistamine effects, which together blunt the nausea signal and help with related vertigo or motion sensations. Among the options, this medication is specifically aimed at controlling nausea, whereas acetaminophen and ibuprofen address pain, and a generic antihistamine may be less reliable for opioid-related nausea.