Anti-emetic Medication

ANTI-EMETIC MEDICATION

Anti-emetic choice should be selected depending on the cause of the nausea, treating underlying cause if possible. Medications should be used regularly and by a route which allows effective absorption. Non-pharmacological measures should also be considered.

Prescribe a single agent based on underlying cause (see below). Use regularly and to maximum dose before changing. N.B. Avoid using Metoclopramide and Haloperidol in those with Parkinson’s spectrum disorders.

Drug induced and biochemical cause

Haloperidol (most potent dopamine D2 receptor antagonist)

Oral: 1.5mg–3mg/24hrs
SC: 2.5mg–5mg/24hrs

Preparations:
Tablets: 500 micrograms, 1.5mg, 5mg, 10mg
Oral solution: 1mg/ml, 2mg/ml
Injection: 5mg/1 ml, 20mg/2ml

CAUTIONED USE IN EPILEPSY
AVOID IN PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE & LEWY BODY DEMENTIA as has Extrapyramidal side effects (EPSEs)

Evidence of gastric stasis

Metoclopramide (dopamine D2 receptor antagonist)
Use with caution in young adults aged 15-19 (see BNF)

Oral: 10mg TDS to QDS before meals
SC: 30mg–100mg/24hrs

Preparations:
Tablets: 10mg
Oral solution: 5mg/5ml
Injection: 10mg/2ml

AVOID IN PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE as can cause EPSEs
AVOID IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLETE (MECHANICAL) BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

OR Domperidone (dopamine D2 receptor antagonist; does not cross blood brain barrier so fewer side effects)

Oral: 10mg TDS

Preparations:
Tablets: 10mg
Suspension: 5mg/5ml (Maximum dose is 30mg/24 hours)

Domperidone is now contraindicated in people:

with conditions where cardiac conduction is, or could be, impaired with underlying cardiac diseases such as congestive heart failure receiving other medications known to prolong QT interval or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.
with severe hepatic impairment.

If GI tract involvement or cerebral tumour, or if the above have not worked

Cyclizine
(anticholinergic antihistamine)

Oral: 50mg TDS
SC: 75mg- 100mg / 24hours

Preparations:
Tablets: 50mg
Injection: 50mg / 1ml

CAUTIONED USE IN EPILEPSY
CONTRAINDICATED IN SEVERE HEART FAILURE

Broad spectrum anti–emetic

Useful if multiple possible causes or if the above have not worked

Combine first line agents e.g. haloperidol and cyclizine
or use single broad spectrum agent

Levomepromazine
(acts at multiple receptor sites: dopamine D2, anticholinergic antihistamine)

Oral: 6mg P.R.N. (Up to 25mg/24hr)
SC: 2.5mg – 6.25mg P.R.N. (Up to 25mg/24hr)

Preparations:
Tablets: 25mg, 6mg (6mg unlicensed available on named patient basis).
Injection: 25mg/1ml

CAUTIONED USE IN EPILEPSY
USE IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE & LEWY BODY DEMENTIA

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced nausea and vomiting

3 day course of 5HT3 – Receptor Antagonist
For example ondansetron and granisetron

Ondansetron Oral: 8mg OD – BD
SC: up to 24mg over 24 hours

Granisetron Oral SC: 1mg–2mg per 24 hours

Preparations:
Ondansetron
Tablets and dispersible tablets: 4mg, 8mg
Syrup: 4mg/5ml
Suppositories: 16mg
Injection: 4mg/2ml, 8mg/4ml

Granisetron Tablets: 1mg, 2mg

Solution: 1mg/5ml
Injection: 1mg/1 ml,3mg/3ml
Patch: 3.1mg/24 hours
Change patch every 7 days (restrictions apply)

Contraindicated in congenital prolonged QT interval.
Serious drug interaction: a combination of IV metoclopramide and IV ondansetron occasionally causes cardia arrhythmias.
Constipation is a side effect.

Caused by moderately- to highly-emetogenic chemotherapy

Neurokinin receptor antagonists for example Aprepitant

Aprepitant: 80mg–125mg OD PO
Capsules: 80mg, 125mg

Raised intracranial pressure or intractable nausea and vomiting

See Chapter: Corticosteroids

NEXT: Intestinal Obstruction

DISCLAIMER

This Guide is intended for use by healthcare professionals and the expectation is that they will use clinical judgement, medical, and nursing knowledge in applying the general principles and recommendations contained within. They are not meant to replace the many available texts on the subject of palliative care.

Some of the management strategies describe the use of drugs outside their licensed indications. They are, however, established and accepted good practice. Please refer to the current BNF for further guidance.

While WMPCPS takes every care to compile accurate information , we cannot guarantee its correctness and completeness and it is subject to change. We do not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or expense resulting from the use of this information.