Medications Used to Treat Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Prescription

Bax solution: Available by prescription, this medication helps in controlling the possible fungal infections and pain from sores in the mouth and esophagus.

Benadryl/Nystatin/Viscous lidocaine solution: These three medicines given by prescription help to ease the pain and inflammation of sores in the mouth and esophagus. It also helps prevent fungal infections in these sores.

Diflucan: Diflucan is a prescription medication that treats fungal infections in various parts of the body, including the mouth and esophagus that can be administered by pill or IV.

Compazine: Used for the nausea and vomiting after the first 48 hours past the time of treatment. It can be administered by mouth or IV.

Decadron: This drug is a steroid that may help acute nausea and vomiting (either alone, or with Zoferan or Kytril). Additionally, it may increase appetite and improve a patient's sense of well-being.

Zoferan: Zoferan is for acute nausea and vomiting in the first two days after chemotherapy. It can be given by IV or by mouth.

Kytril: Also used for vomiting and nausea in the first 24-48 hours after chemotherapy treatment, and given by mouth or IV.

Lomotil: This drug is used to treat diarrhea by slowing down the movement in the colon. With the increased transit time, more water is absorbed, and diarrhea is stopped.

Marinol: This drug is a controlled substance, and is only when other medications do not work to stop nausea and vomiting. It increases the appetite in the same way marijuana does, but without giving a "high".

Megace: This medication can help increase appetite, and in doing so help a patient to gain weight. It might be given in a pill or a liquid form.

Reglan: This medication is used to decrease the time food spends in the stomach by sending it through faster, and can help with nausea and vomiting.

Non-Prescription (Over the Counter)

Immodium: Available at almost any drugstore, immodium stops diarrhea by slowing down the time food moves through the colon.

Milk of Magnesia: Available over the counter, MOM draws water into the large bowel which makes stool softer and easier to pass. MOM has a side effect of cramps.

Magnesium Citrate: This drug also increases water flow to the intestine, thereby softening stools. It can also cause cramps.

Senokot: Available over the counter, this medication relieves constipation by increasing the bulk of stool.