Nausea, retching, and/or vomiting may be associated with the use of a medication. Nausea and emesis are common adverse drug effects, often occurring shortly after starting a medication and frequently associated with abdominal pain, headaches, and diarrhea. In some instances, drug-induced nausea and emesis resolves with continued use of the offending agent over a few weeks. In other cases, symptoms persist and medication changes should be made. Some patients find that symptoms are improved by taking the medication on an empty stomach, with food, prior to bedtime, or at a lower dose. If symptoms persist and a medication is necessary at its prescribed dose, supportive therapy with antiemetics can frequently provide relief.

There are several mechanisms by which drugs may cause nausea. Some agents result in gastrointestinal mucosal irritation or ulceration (eg, NSAIDs, doxycycline). Other agents activate the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema via dopaminergic receptors. The specific neural pathways by which nausea is triggered may help guide its management.

Many medications are associated with nausea and vomiting (see Drug Reaction Data below).