CONTROLLING NAUSEA AND VOMITING

CONTROLLING NAUSEA AND VOMITING



WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING?


There are many causes of nausea and vomiting. Chemotherapy is one reason, but the good news is: just because you are taking chemotherapy does not mean you have to be sick! Other causes of nausea and vomiting are medications such as pain medications or antibiotics, anesthesia, certain surgeries, certain types of cancers or diseases, constipation, riding in a car, liver disease, radiation to the stomach area, fluid in the abdomen (belly), brain metastases, and throat irritation.



HOW MANY TYPES OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING ARE THERE?


There are also several types of nausea and vomiting: Anticipatory: occurs before the chemotherapy is given or just by the thought of chemotherapy or something that has made nausea and vomiting occur before. This type of nausea and vomiting may occur as a result of certain sights or smells.


Acute: occurs during the 24-48 hours after chemotherapy. Delayed: occurs after the first 48 hours after chemotherapy.


Breakthrough: occurs when patient has already taken some medication to prevent nausea and vomiting.



WHAT MEDICATION CAN I TAKE TO HELP WITH MY NAUSEA AND VOMITING?


There are many different types of medications that can help control or prevent nausea and vomiting:



• 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (such as Zofran, Kytril, Anzemet): These work very well in patients taking chemotherapy or after surgery. They work best in the first 24-48 hours after chemotherapy. They are often given before chemotherapy or radiation therapy. They can be given by IV (through a vein) or by mouth. They may be taken:


˚ Zofran (ondansetron): 8 mg every 12 hours by mouth

˚ Kytril (granisetron): 1 mg every 12 hours by mouth

˚ Anzemet (dolasetron): 100 mg per day by mouth

˚ Side effects of these drugs might include headache, constipation, lightheadedness, and sedation. These side effects are usually mild if they occur. Constipation is more likely to occur if these are taken for several days in a row.

Related posts:

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  3. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
  4. Principles of Symptom Management

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Mar 1, 2017 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on CONTROLLING NAUSEA AND VOMITING

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