Why does the antiemetic have to be a dopamine antagonist?

[Beachedwhale]

According to stan's guide.

Why this particular class of antiemetic?

 

[intr0verse]

Because the chemoreceptor trigger zone (where the vomiting centers are found) is full of dopamine receptors which are blocked by a dopamine antagonist.

 

[Beachedwhale]

Because the chemoreceptor trigger zone (where the vomiting centers are found) is full of dopamine receptors which are blocked by a dopamine antagonist.

Right, but why would other classes of antiemetic not work? I mean they are antiemetics..

 

[intr0verse]

If they are not dopamine antagonists, they work on other routes which are efective on say, motion sickness but not effective on an overdose where the chemoreceptor trigger zone is stimulated by the high drug doses. You need a dopamine antagonist and a potent one to block the CTZ. Besides, metoclopramide enhance the absorbtion of the drug from the gut. So, double advantage.

 

[Beachedwhale]

Thanks

 

[intr0verse]

You're welcome. I hope it was helpful.