Which class of drugs is used specifically to treat nausea and vomiting?

Antiemetics are specifically designed to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. This class of drugs works by affecting different pathways in the body that trigger these symptoms. There are various types of antiemetics, including those that antagonize neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine, which play a key role in the vomiting reflex.

In contrast, other categories of drugs listed have different primary uses. Antacids are primarily used to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn, while analgesics are medications aimed at pain relief. Sympathomimetics are drugs that mimic the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, often used in situations requiring stimulation, such as managing asthma or cardiac conditions. Therefore, antiemetics are uniquely focused on addressing nausea and vomiting, distinguishing them from the other classes mentioned.