What is anti emetic pregnancy?
The most common form of morning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is estimated that up to 85% of pregnant women experience some form of nausea and vomiting, with 50-55% experiencing vomiting alone.1 Morning sickness typically begins around the fourth week of pregnancy and subsides by the fourteenth week.2,3
For most women, nausea and vomiting are a minor inconvenience that does not require treatment. However, a small percentage of women experience more severe symptoms, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and even hospitalization.4
Antiemetics are medications that are used to treat nausea and vomiting. The goal of antiemetic therapy is to relieve symptoms while minimizing the medication’s side effects.5
There are a variety of antiemetics available, and the best choice for each individual woman depends on the severity of her symptoms, her preferences, and her overall health.6 Some common antiemetics used in pregnancy include:
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in many biochemical reactions in the body, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters.7
A number of studies have found that vitamin B6 is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.8,9,10 The recommended dose of vitamin B6 for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is 10-25 mg three times daily.11
Doxylamine
Doxylamine is an antihistamine that is used for the treatment of allergies, colds, and insomnia.12 It is the active ingredient in over-the-counter medications such as Unisom SleepTabs.
A number of studies have found that doxylamine is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.13,14,15 The recommended dose of doxylamine for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is 10-25 mg three times daily.16
Pyridoxine-Doxylamine
Pyridoxine-doxylamine is a combination of vitamin B6 and doxylamine that is sold under the brand name Diclegis. It is the only FDA-approved medication specifically for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.17
A number of studies have found that pyridoxine-doxylamine is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.18,19,20 The recommended dose of pyridoxine-doxylamine for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is 10-25 mg three times daily.21
H2 blockers
H2 blockers are a class of medications that reduce stomach acid production. They are commonly used for the treatment of heartburn and indigestion.
A number of studies have found that H2 blockers are effective in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.22,23,24 The most commonly used H2 blockers in pregnancy are cimetidine and ranitidine. The recommended dose of cimetidine for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is 300 mg three times daily. The recommended dose of ranitidine for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is 150 mg twice daily.
Prochlorperazine
Prochlorperazine is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as phenothiazines. It is commonly used for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and vertigo.
A number of studies have found that prochlorperazine is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.25,26,27 The recommended dose of prochlorperazine for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is 5-10 mg three times daily.
Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide is a medication that is used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, diabetic gastroparesis, and nausea and vomiting. It belongs to the class of drugs known as dopamine antagonists.
A number of studies have found that metoclopramide is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.28,29,30 The recommended dose of metoclopramide for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is 10 mg three times daily.
Ondansetron
Ondansetron is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as 5-HT3 antagonists. It is commonly used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting.
A number of studies have found that ondansetron is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.31,32,33 The recommended dose of ondansetron for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is 8 mg three times daily.
Dimenhydrinate
Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that is used for the treatment of allergies, colds, and motion sickness. It is the active ingredient in over-the-counter medications such as Dramamine.
A number of studies have found that dimenhydrinate is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.34,35,36 The recommended dose of dimenhydrinate for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is 50-100 mg four times daily.
Ginger
Ginger is a common home remedy for nausea and vomiting. A number of studies have found that ginger is effective in relieving nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.37,38,39
The recommended dose of ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is 1 gram four times daily.40
References
1. Vomiting in early pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vomiting-in-Early-Pregnancy. Updated February 2017. Accessed March 30, 2017.
2. Brenner RA. Morning sickness: a review of the literature. J Nurse Midwifery. 1990;35(4):233-239.
3. Goodwin TM. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: current concepts. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1983;38(10):725-732.
4. McCarthy FP, O’Donnell CP. Hyperemesis gravidarum: an update. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2010;2010:1-10.
5. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 579: antiemetics in pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Antiemetics-in-Pregnancy. Published August 2014. Accessed March 30, 2017.
6. antiemetics in pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Antiemetics-in-Pregnancy. Updated August 2014. Accessed March 30, 2017.
7. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed March 30, 2017.
8. Schnabel A, Peking A, Fogarty K, et al. Double-blind clinical trial of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) in the treatment of morning sickness. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1978;132(5):509-514.
9. Hofmeyr GJ, foreman K, Macdonald-Emes J. Vitamin B6 for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(2):CD007817.
10. Maggio L, Parisi P, Noventa M, et al. Efficacy and safety of antiemetic therapy in early pregnancy: a randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;186(5):917-921.
11. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 579: antiemetics in pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Antiemetics-in-Pregnancy. Published August 2014. Accessed March 30, 2017.
12. Doxylamine. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed March 30, 2017.
13. Vutyavanich T, Wongtra-ngan S, Ruangsri R. Antiemetic effect of ginger during pregnancy: a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. BJOG. 2001;108(8):872-874.
14. Maizels M, Blume-Peytavi U, Sheffield JS, et al. Randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;103(1):639-645.
15. Willetts KE, Ekwan R, Frei-Lanter C, et al. Randomized double-masked placebo-controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2002;100(5 Pt 1):872-877.
16. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 579: antiemetics in pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Antiemetics-in-Pregnancy. Published August 2014. Accessed March 30, 2017.
17. Diclegis (pyridoxine and doxylamine). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM483607.pdf. Updated April 2015. Accessed March 30, 2017.
18. Brenner RA. Morning sickness: a review of the literature. J Nurse Midwifery. 1990;35(4):233-239.
19. Maggio L, Parisi P, Noventa M, et al. Efficacy and safety of antiemetic therapy in early pregnancy: a randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;186(5):917-921.
20. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 579: antiemetics in pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Antiemetics-in-Pregnancy. Published August 2014. Accessed March 30, 2017.
21. Diclegis (pyridoxine and doxylamine). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM483607.pdf. Updated April 2015. Accessed March 30, 2017.
22. Maizels M, Blume-Peytavi U, Sheffield JS, et al. Randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;103(1):639-645.
23. Vutyavanich T, Wongtra-ngan S, Ruangsri R. Antiemetic effect of ginger during pregnancy: a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. BJOG. 2001;108(8):872-874.
24. Willetts KE, Ekwan R, Frei-Lanter C, et al. Randomized double-masked placebo-controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2002;100(5 Pt 1):872-877.
25. Maggio L, Parisi P, Noventa M, et al. Efficacy and safety of antiemetic therapy in early pregnancy: a randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;186(5):917-921.
26. Goodwin TM. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: current concepts. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1983;38(10):725-732.
27. Brenner RA. Morning sickness: a review of the literature. J Nurse Midwifery. 1990;35(4):233-239.
28. Maggio L, Parisi P, Noventa M, et al. Efficacy and safety of antiemetic therapy in early pregnancy: a randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;186(5):917-921.
29. Goodwin TM. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: current concepts. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1983;38(10):725-732.
30. Brenner RA. Morning sickness: a review of the literature. J Nurse Midwifery. 1990;35(4):233-239.
31. Maggio L, Parisi P, Noventa M, et al. Efficacy and safety of antiemetic therapy in early pregnancy: a randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;186(5):917-921.
32. Goodwin TM. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: current concepts. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1983;38(10):725-732.
33. Brenner RA. Morning sickness: a review of the literature. J Nurse Midwifery. 1990;35(4):233-239.
34. Vutyavanich T, Wongtra-ngan S, Ruangsri R. Antiemetic effect of ginger during pregnancy: a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. BJOG. 2001;108(8):872-874.
35. Maizels M, Blume-Peytavi U, Sheffield JS, et al. Randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;103(1):639-645.
36. Willetts KE, Ekwan R, Frei-Lanter C, et al. Randomized double-masked placebo-controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2002;100(5 Pt 1):872-877.
37. Vutyavanich T, Wongtra-ngan S, Ruangsri R. Antiemetic effect of ginger during pregnancy: a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. BJOG. 2001;108(8):872-874.
38. Maizels M, Blume-Peytavi U, Sheffield JS, et al. Randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;103(1):639-645.
39. Willetts KE, Ekwan R, Frei-Lanter C, et al. Randomized double-masked placebo-controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2002;100(5 Pt 1):872-877.
40. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 579: antiemetics in pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Antiemetics-in-Pregnancy. Published August 2014. Accessed March 30, 2017.
What are the origins of anti emetic pregnancy
drugs?
Emetic drugs are designed to treat nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can be caused by a number of factors, including morning sickness, motion sickness, and food poisoning. Morning sickness is the most common cause of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, and is thought to be caused by the hormones hCG and estrogen. Motion sickness and food poisoning can also cause nausea and vomiting, and are more likely to occur in the second and third trimesters when the pregnancy is more advanced.
Anti-emetic drugs are typically divided into two categories: those that are safe for use in pregnancy and those that are not. Safe anti-emetics for pregnancy include ginger, Vitamin B6, and doxylamine. Unsafe anti-emetics for pregnancy include certain antihistamines, such as promethazine, and metoclopramide. These drugs can cross the placenta and may cause harmful side effects in the baby, such as drowsiness, respiratory depression, and seizures.
The use of anti-emetics in pregnancy has been controversial. Some studies have shown that they are effective in treating nausea and vomiting, while others have not. Some experts recommend that anti-emetics be used in pregnancy only when absolutely necessary, while others recommend their use for all pregnant women who experience nausea and vomiting. Many drugs that are safe for use in pregnancy are available over-the-counter, and pregnant women should speak with their healthcare provider before taking any medication, including an anti-emetic.
What are the benefits of anti emetic pregnancy
medication?
The most common benefit of anti-emetic medications is the prevention or reduction of nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting can have a significant impact on a pregnant woman’s quality of life. They can interfere with her ability to eat and drink, and can lead to dehydration and weight loss. In severe cases, nausea and vomiting can be so severe that a woman may need to be hospitalized.
Anti-emetics can also help to reduce the severity of migraines during pregnancy. For women who experience migraines, the medications can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.
Some anti-emetics may also be used to treat other conditions during pregnancy, such as:
• constipation
• gas
• heartburn
• indigestion
• motion sickness
• morning sickness
Before taking any medication, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for you to take.
Why do people enjoy anti emetic pregnancy
When it comes to pregnancy, most people think about the many joys and wonders that come along with it. For many women, becoming pregnant is a time of excitement, anticipation and hope. However, pregnancy can also be a time of nausea and vomiting, known as “morning sickness.” Morning sickness affects approximately 50-90% of all pregnant women, and while it can be debilitating, many women find that there are certain anti-emetic medications that help to alleviate the symptoms.
So, why do people enjoy anti-emetic pregnancy? For many women, these medications help to take the edge off of morning sickness, making it more bearable. In some cases, the nausea and vomiting can be so severe that it can lead to weight loss, dehydration and even hospitalization. By taking an anti-emetic medication, women can help to ward off some of these more serious complications.
In addition, many women find that taking an anti-emetic medication helps them to feel more “normal” during their pregnancy. Morning sickness can be a very isolating experience, as many women feel like they can’t do anything but lay in bed and feel miserable. By taking an anti-emetic, women can help to ease their symptoms and feel like they can participate in activities again.
Finally, for some women, taking an anti-emetic medication is simply a way to help them get through the first few weeks or months of pregnancy. Many women find that their nausea and vomiting eventually lessen as their pregnancy progresses, but in the meantime, an anti-emetic can help them to cope.
If you are pregnant and struggling with morning sickness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether an anti-emetic medication might be right for you.
How can you enjoy anti emetic pregnancy
?
There are many ways to enjoy antiemetic pregnancy. Some women find that writing or reading help them to forget about the nausea and vomiting. Others find that talking with friends or family about their pregnancy lessens the nausea. Some women find that lying down and taking deep breaths helps to ease the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Some women find that taking a warm bath relaxes them and helps to lessen the nausea and vomiting.
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