Emetics
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Emetics are agents that induce vomition and are classified as
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centrally acting and
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reflex acting emetics.
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The main area in the brain responsible for vomiting is the vomiting center. This area is located in the lateral reticular formation of the medulla.
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It receives input from many areas like:
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Chemoreceptor trigger zone: This is located in the floor of the fourth ventricle and it picks up circulating chemicals/toxins in the blood (e.g. bacterial food poisoning toxins, drugs used for chemotherapy) and cause vomiting.
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Vestibular apparatus
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Tractus solitarius - vagal afferents from the gut, heart and testes
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Direct input from gut (reflex)
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The neurotransmitters involved in the emetic response are
Centrally acting emetics
Locally acting emetics
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Warm water
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Warm saturated sodium chloride solution
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Sodium chloride crystals placed at the back of the tongue
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Sodium carbonate as crystals
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Copper sulphate 50 ml of a 1% solution
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Zinc sulphate 50 ml as a 1% solution
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Freshly ground mustard paste
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Hydrogen peroxide as a 3% solution
Clinical uses of emetics include
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Last modified: Wednesday, 25 April 2012, 9:59 AM