Vomiting
Vomiting is the body forcing stomach contents out through the mouth. It is a symptom, not a condition in its own right, and it happens when signals pass between the gut, the inner ear and the vomiting centre in the brain. Many episodes settle without treatment, but repeated vomiting can cause dehydration and loss of body salts. This matters more in hot, humid weather.
Medicine used to treat Vomiting
Key points
- Vomiting is a symptom, not a disease.
- Infection, motion, medicines, pregnancy and anaesthesia recovery are possible triggers.
- Anti-sickness medicines act at different points in the vomiting pathway.
What can trigger it
Gastroenteritis from contaminated food or water is a common cause. Motion sickness can affect travellers, and some medicines cause vomiting as a side effect. Inner-ear disturbances, early pregnancy and the period after surgery with anaesthesia are other triggers.
Symptoms and risks
The vomiting itself is the obvious sign. Repeated episodes can leave the mouth dry, reduce urine output and cause dizziness. These are signs of dehydration. Loss of body salts can add to the problem, so vomiting that does not stop needs medical advice.
Treatment options
Anti-sickness medicines interrupt the chemical messages that set off the vomiting reflex. Metoclopramide speeds stomach emptying and blocks dopamine receptors found in the gut and brain. It can help with nausea when the stomach empties slowly, including gastroparesis. Maxolon tablets contain 10mg metoclopramide and are used for nausea, vomiting and gastroparesis. Domperidone acts in a similar way but mainly at the gut level. Prochlorperazine acts on the chemoreceptor trigger zone; it is used for severe vomiting or vomiting linked to vertigo. Orders are shipped to Malaysia by pharmacy partners in India in discreet packaging.
When to seek medical help
Get medical help promptly if vomiting occurs with severe pain in the abdomen, blood in the vomit, a high fever, signs of dehydration, or after a head injury.
Further reading
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