Tag: Chemoreceptor trigger zone

Haloperidol is a first-generation antipsychotic medication belonging to the butyrophenone class, which, by acting as a potent dopamine antagonist, is also highly effective as an antiemetic. Its anti-nausea and vomiting properties have made it a valuable tool in managing specific, often refractory, cases of emesis.

The chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) is a specialized area in the brain that detects emetogenic (vomiting-inducing) substances in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid [1.2.1, 1.3.1]. But from a pharmacological standpoint, what does CTZ do and how is it targeted by medications?

Metoclopramide is a medication that works on both the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract to effectively prevent nausea and vomiting. It does this by affecting dopamine and serotonin receptors and by accelerating gastric emptying, offering a powerful, dual-action antiemetic effect.

While once a common household remedy for accidental poisoning, modern medical professionals now widely discourage the use of emetics. An emetic is an agent that promotes vomiting, but concerns over their efficacy and significant risks have shifted medical consensus toward more effective treatments like activated charcoal. This shift marks a major change in emergency toxicology protocols.