How Do NK1 Receptor Antagonists Work?

Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonists are a drug class aimed at treating nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. These receptors are mainly present in the vomiting center of the brain. A substance P (chemical messenger) binds to these receptors to stimulate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Substance P is a type of neurokinin that acts as a stimulatory chemical messenger at the NK1 receptors.

NK1 receptor antagonists block the interaction of substance P at the NK-1 receptor, thereby preventing the stimulation of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

NK1 receptor antagonists are mainly used for the treatment of:

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

NK1 receptor antagonists, when administered orally or intravenously, may cause the following side effects:

• Anemia
• Dizziness
• Urinary tract infection
• Indigestion
• Decreased appetite
• Hiccups
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Insomnia

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of NK1 receptor antagonists include:

• Akynzeo
• Aprepitant
• Cinvanti
• Emend
• Fosaprepitant
• Fosnetupitant
• Netupitant/palonosetron
• Rolapitant
• Varubi