What are nausea and vomiting?

Vomiting is an uncontrollable reflex that expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It’s also called “being sick” or “throwing up.” Nausea is a term that describes the feeling that you might vomit, but aren’t actually vomiting.

Both nausea and vomiting are very common symptoms and can be caused by a wide range of factors. They occur in both children and adults, although they’re probably most common in pregnant women and people undergoing cancer treatments.

What causes nausea and vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting may occur together or separately. They can be caused by a number of physical and psychological conditions.

Nausea

The most common causes of nausea are intense pain — usually from an injury or illness — and the first trimester of pregnancy. There are also a number of other relatively common causes, including:

• motion sickness
• emotional stress
• indigestion
• food poisoning
• viruses

You may find that certain smells bring on the feeling of nausea. This is a very common symptom during the first trimester of pregnancy, although it can also occur in people who aren’t pregnant. Pregnancy-induced nausea usually goes away by the second or third trimester.

Vomiting in adults

Most adults rarely vomit. When it does occur, a bacterial or viral infection or a type of food poisoning usually causes vomiting. In some cases, vomiting can also be the result of other illnesses, especially if they lead to a headache or high fever.

Lifestyle choices

Certain lifestyle choices can increase your chance of experiencing nausea and vomiting. 

Consuming a large amount of alcohol can cause damage to the lining of the gut.

Alcohol can also react with stomach acid. Both of these will cause nausea and vomiting. In some cases, excessive alcohol consumption can also cause bleeding in the digestive tract.

Eating disorders

An eating disorder is when a person adjusts their eating habits and behaviours based on an unhealthy body image. It can cause nausea and vomiting. 

Serious conditions

Though rare, vomiting can sometimes occur as a symptom of a more serious condition, including: 

• meningitis
• appendicitis
• concussion
• a brain tumour
• migraines

If you’re persistently vomiting, go see your doctor. 

Emergency care

Seek medical care if you have nausea or are vomiting for more than a week. Most cases of vomiting clear up within 6 to 24 hours after the first episode.

Treating nausea and vomiting

You can use a number of methods to relieve nausea and vomiting, including home remedies and medications.

Self-treatment for nausea

To treat nausea at home:

• Consume only light, plain foods, such as bread and crackers.
• Avoid any foods that have strong flavours, are very sweet, or are greasy or fried.
• Drink cold liquids.
• Avoid any activity after eating.
• Drink a cup of ginger tea.

Self-treatment for vomiting

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• Drink a large amount of clear fluids to remain hydrated, but consume it in small sips at a time.
• Avoid solid foods of any kind until vomiting stops.
• Rest.
• Avoid using medications that may upset your stomach, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.
• Use an oral rehydration solution to replace lost electrolytes.

Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a treatment to prevent nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick). It is particularly used to treat nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and in individuals who suffer from migraine headaches.

Can I get Metoclopramide online?

Please complete a risk assessment form to begin.

What is Metoclopramide?

Metoclopramide is an antiemetic, meaning it is effective in preventing nausea and vomiting. It does this by inhibiting the action of natural chemicals called dopamine and serotonin in the brain. It is also a prokinetic agent, as it increases the rate at which your stomach empties and moves food through your intestine, which help to relieve symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.

How to use Metoclopramide

Take ONE 10mg tablet three times a day, with or without food

Who can use Metoclopramide?

Adults, children over the age of 1 year, and elderly people can use Metoclopramide. Children younger than 1 year should not be given this medicine as they may experience uncontrollable movements.

Metoclopramide Risk Assessment