PHA613 Perspectives of Pharmacy

APPENDIX C:
Classifications of Drugs

EMETICS
Reported by
Danesh Jemy Ann G. Sapero
1E-PH
OUTLINE OF THE
TOPIC
Definition
Mechanism of Action
Examples
Hazards of Taking Emetics
 EMETICS
Agents that cause vomiting

Eliminate poisonous substances

that have been ingested
MECHANISM OF ACTION
1
Direct effect on the gastrointestinal tract:
They may act directly on the gastrointestinal tract
through a local irritant effect on the gastric mucosa

2
Indirect effect on the brain:
They indirectly stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger
zone in the postremal area near the medulla
through the release of certain chemicals such as
acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter), dopamine, and
substance P (these chemicals induce emesis by
acting on the vomiting center in the brain)
EXAMPLES Ipecac syrup – taken orally,
induces vomiting within half

OF an hour

Apomorphine – taken
EMETICS through injection

Cupric sulfate – blue vitriol;

potent emetic, used as an
antidote for phosphorus
poisoning
 HAZARDS OF
TAKING EMETICS
Hazardous to patients Hazardous to patients who have
with altered mental ingested corrosive agents because
status the emetic drug may worsen the
injury to the esophagus and
Hazardous to patients oropharynx
who have ingested
petroleum distillates Contraindicated in patients with
because of the risk of known cardiac or epileptic disorders
aspiration because they occasionally trigger
seizures or arrhythmias
REFERENCES
Drug Bank. (2023). Cupric sulfate. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB06778

Drug Bank. (2016). Emetics. https://go.drugbank.com/categories/DBCAT001092

Memon, N. & Khan, S. (2021). HOW DO EMETIC AGENTS WORK?. RxList.

https://www.rxlist.com/how_do_emetic_agents_work/drug-class.htm

Nursing Central. (2017). Emetic. https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Tabers-

Dictionary/731233/all/emetic

Sy, S. C. (2022). A Macro Perspective of Pharmacy. 2nd ed. C&E Publishing, Inc.

The Chemical Company. (2018). Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate.

https://thechemco.com/chemical/copper-sulfate-pentahydrate/