What is the preferred antiemetic for a 9-year-old patient experiencing nausea?

The preferred antiemetic for a 9-year-old experiencing nausea is ondansetron. This medication is a serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonist, which is particularly effective in treating nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, but it is also commonly used in pediatric populations for various types of nausea.

Ondansetron is favored in children because it has an excellent safety profile and is well-tolerated. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, which can trigger the vomiting reflex. Additionally, ondansetron can be administered orally or intravenously, allowing flexibility depending on the patient's needs.

Other options may have their uses in specific situations but are generally less preferred for routine cases of nausea in children. For example, promethazine, while effective, has sedative effects and can cause respiratory depression, especially in younger patients. Metoclopramide is another option but is primarily indicated for gastric motility issues and may not be the first choice for simple nausea due to concerns about side effects, including the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms in children. Dimenhydrinate, primarily used for motion sickness, may not be as effective for other types of nausea and can also cause drowsiness.

Overall, ondansetron