Efficacy Of Antiemetic Use In Patients With Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders In Primary Care

a Literature Review

Abstract

We aimed to identify and analyze the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of antiemetics in controlling nausea and vomiting in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders treated in primary health care, as well as to identify gaps in knowledge and propose recommendations for clinical management. This is a literature review conducted between November 2024 and April 2025, based on studies extracted from PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases. The selection followed specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, based on the PRISMA model and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Nine studies were included that point to the moderate efficacy of antiemetics, especially prokinetics (such as metoclopramide and domperidone) and serotonergic agonists (such as mosapride), in relieving symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia. In subtypes such as irritable bowel syndrome, efficacy was less consistent. The rational and integrated use of these drugs, together with non-pharmacological interventions, proved to be more beneficial. Most of the available evidence is still derived from hospital settings, with a scarcity of studies focused on primary care. Antiemetics are effective in the symptomatic management of FGIDs, especially in functional dyspepsia, when used rationally and combined with other therapeutic approaches. However, more specific clinical trials are needed in the primary care setting, focusing on safety, efficacy, and quality of life of patients.