Anticholinergic antiemetics
What are Anticholinergic antiemetics?
Anticholinergic antiemetics are agents that block muscarinic receptors and inhibit cholinergic transmission from the vestibular nuclei to the vomiting center.
Anticholinergic antiemetics are mainly used to prevent or treat motion sickness.
H1 antihistamines, such as cyclizine, promethazine, and diphenhydramine, or antimuscarinics (anticholinergics) like scopolamine (Hyoscine) are often used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting induced by vestibular disturbances like vertigo or motion.
List of anticholinergics
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol PM, Advil PM, Unisom SleepGels)
- brompheniramine (Dimetapp)
- dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
- doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
Scopolamine (Maldemar®, Scopace Transderm® Scop®) is the main antiemetic anticholinergic. Providers use it to: Prevent PONV. Prevent or treat nausea and vomiting related to motion sickness.





