Final answer:
Zofran (ondansetron) is often used as the initial antiemetic for chemotherapy-induced nausea due to its effectiveness in blocking the action of serotonin. Other medications like phenothiazines and phenergan also have antiemetic effects that alleviate chemotherapy side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
An antimetic initially used for chemotherapy-induced nausea is Zofran, also known by its generic name ondansetron. This medication can be administered intravenously and is particularly effective in preventing nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or after surgery. It belongs to the class of drugs known as serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists which work by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance in the body that can cause vomiting.
Aside from Zofran, medications like phenothiazines and phenergan also offer antiemetic and antinausea properties, which are beneficial in managing the side effects of chemotherapy. Notably, chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which makes it effective against cancer. However, because it also affects other rapidly dividing cells in the body, it results in side effects like nausea and hair loss. The introduction of combinations of cancer drugs, as seen in the POMP and MOPP regimens, has been crucial in the fight against specific cancers by reducing the likelihood of resistance developing against single-drug treatments.