Vomiting is controlled by the vomiting center in the medulla. Vomiting center is activated by either one of four trigger zones: chemoreceptor trigger zone, vestibular nuclei, cerebral cortex and gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting center is controlled by serotonin (5-HT3), muscarinic and histamine (H1) receptors.
Chemoreceptor trigger zone is sensitive to chemical stimuli, such as opioids and cytotoxic drugs. It is under the control of dopamine, serotonin (5-HT3) and opioid receptors.
Vestibular nuclei is controlled by muscarinic and histamine (H1) receptors. This is activated in vertigo or motion sickness.
Cerebral cortex activates vomiting from smell, thought and so on. Gastrointestinal tract has serotonin (5-HT3) receptors, which are affected by chemotherapeutic drugs.
Different classes of drugs work on different receptors and act as antiemetics and antivertigo agents.
Data
Source:drugs.com
Meclizine
Meclizine is a medication commonly used to treat symptoms of motion sickness, such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. It belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines, which work by blocking the effects of histamine in the body. Meclizine is available in tablet form and is typically taken before traveling or engaging in activities that may cause motion sickness. It is also sometimes prescribed to treat vertigo, a condition characterized by a spinning sensation. Meclizine may cause drowsiness as a side effect, so it is important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking this medication.
