PMID: 16505875Mar 1, 2006Paper

Nausea, vomiting and constipation in palliative care

Tidsskrift for den Norske lægeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny række
Marit S JordhøyWenche Mohr

Abstract

Nausea/vomiting and constipation are frequent symptoms among patients with advanced disease and short survival expectancy. The aim of this paper is to present the aetiology, diagnostic work-up, prophylaxis and treatment of these symptoms in palliative patients, based on a literature review and clinical experience. Nausea/vomiting is not a diagnosis, but symptoms with multiple causes. There is no universally applicable treatment approach. General guidelines for good treatment are: 1) impeccable assessment and work-up, 2) choice of treatment according to underlying causes and involved mechanisms, 3) pharmacological treatment applied jointly with non-pharmacological measures, 4) thorough follow-up and readjustment of treatment. During work-up, or if underlying causes can not be identified, metoclopramide, alternatively haloperidol, is the first drug of choice. Oral administration should be avoided until vomiting is controlled. Adequate hydration is important. The same general guidelines are applicable to handle constipation. However, prophylactic measures are also essential, focusing on risk factors (fluid intake, activity and toilet accommodations). Stool softening laxatives should be administered, (polyethylene glycol or lactulo...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Antipsychotic Drugs

Antipsychotic drugs are a class of medication primarily used to manage psychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thought), principally in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Discover the latest research on antipsychotic drugs here

Related Papers

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
Sun Hwan BaeRan Lee
The Clinical Journal of Pain
Masashi IshiharaJapanese Study Group for the Relief of Opioid-induced Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
M PetticrewM Brand
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved