Ethyol – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, September 05, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Ethyol is used to minimize the side effects of certain cancer chemotherapy medications or radiation treatment.

For example, the drug helps protect the kidneys from the harmful side effects of cisplatin, which is given to patients with ovarian cancer. Ethyol is also used to prevent dry mouth that occurs due to radiation treatment of the head and neck that can affect the salivary gland.

Ethyol’s generic name is amifostine.

Known health risks or side effects of Ethyol

Ethyol may cause common side effects such as:

Chills
Drowsiness
Fatigue/general feeling of tiredness
A fever
Flushing/feeling of warmth
Hiccups
Nausea
Sneezing
Vomiting

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

Blurred vision
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Dizziness
Fainting
Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
Hives
Itching
Peeling or blistering skin
Rash
Seizures
Shortness of breath
Tightness in the chest

List of organs that might be affected by Ethyol

An overdose of Ethyol may cause symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and lightheadedness.

An overdose of the drug can also cause an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing; hives; or the swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, consult a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Ethyol

The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Ethyol and can help prevent dry mouth:

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) – Aloe vera gel or juice inside the plant’s leaves can keep your mouth moisturized. Drink aloe vera juice if you have dry mouth.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – Ginger is a herbal sialagogue, which means it can help trigger saliva production.
Marshmallow root (Malva spp.) – Marshmallow root is an emollient and moisturizing plant like aloe vera.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Ethyol

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Ethyol, like nausea and vomiting:

Cloves – Cloves can help remedy nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness. The spice has eugenol, a compound that may have antibacterial abilities. Make clove tea by adding one teaspoon of cloves to a cup of boiling water. Let the mixture steep for ten minutes, then strain before drinking.
Fennel – Fennel seeds can help soothe the digestive tract. Drink some fennel tea if you’re feeling nauseated. Make fennel tea by adding a teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water. Let the seeds steep for 10 minutes, then strain before drinking.
Peppermint – Peppermint leaves and oil can help address indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. The scent of the herb can also ease nausea. If you’re feeling nauseous, drink some peppermint tea. The herb can help calm and numb your stomach muscles so bile can break down fats and food can easily move through the stomach.