TRIMETHOBENZAMIDE HCL (trimethobenzamide hcl)

Drug overview for TRIMETHOBENZAMIDE HCL (trimethobenzamide hcl):

Generic name: TRIMETHOBENZAMIDE HCL (trye-METH-oh-BEN-za-mide)
Drug class: Antiemetic
Therapeutic class: Gastrointestinal Therapy Agents

Trimethobenzamide hydrochloride, which is structurally related to ethanolamine-derivative antihistamines, is an antiemetic.

Trimethobenzamide is used for the control of nausea and vomiting, including the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and also is used for the treatment of nausea associated with gastroenteritis. The drug is less effective as an antiemetic than phenothiazines, but may be associated with fewer adverse effects than phenothiazine therapy. When vomiting is severe and potentially hazardous and may likely be of short duration, phenothiazine antiemetics may be preferred.

When long-term antiemetic therapy is anticipated, non-phenothiazine antiemetics such as trimethobenzamide hydrochloride should be considered. The cause of vomiting should be established, if possible, and primary emphasis should be directed toward restoration of body fluids and electrolyte balance, relief of fever, and treatment of the causative disease process. Overhydration should be avoided since it may result in cerebral edema.