Being sick is an unpleasant experience for anyone but it can become overwhelming for cancer patients undergoing life-saving chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Feeling nauseous and vomiting constantly causes real misery and distress.
Anti-sickness drugs such as metoclopramide are often given with cancer treatment to help people get through this difficult time. Metoclopramide hydrochloride, also known as metoclopramide HCl, is available in slow release tablet form to ease sickness throughout the day. But the thought of having to swallow even one tablet can be too much for someone who can't even face a sip of water to wash it down.
Many people find it easier to take their medication in liquid form. Liquid metoclopramide contains just the same active ingredient as the tablets and it comes in a pleasant lemon and lime flavour. Metoclopramide syrup can be sucked slowly from a spoon and is less of a shock to an unruly stomach.
How does metoclopramide work?
Metoclopramide has two different effects on the body, both of which help to stop sickness.
Firstly, it acts on the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain to make vomiting stop. Normally, anti-cancer medicines circulating in the blood activate the chemoreceptor trigger zone, which then sends strong signals to the vomiting centre in the brain. This, in turn, sends nerve impulses to the stomach and diaphragm to initiate retching. Metoclopramide blocks dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, cutting off signals to the vomiting centre, so preventing further sickness.
Secondly, metoclopramide medication increases the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the digestive system. This tightens the sphincter at the top of the stomach and relaxes the one at the exit. It also makes the stomach muscles contract more frequently and the overall result is that the stomach empties faster after a meal, making vomiting less likely.
Who else can metoclopramide help?
As well as cancer patients, the following groups can also benefit from taking metoclopramide:
* Patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dyspepsia, heartburn and those who regurgitate bile. All gain symptomatic relief with metoclopramide.
* Diabetics who suffer diabetic gastroparesis. Diabetes can damage the nerves that supply the stomach, making them unable to stimulate stomach emptying. A meal just sits in the stomach causing fullness, nausea and, eventually, vomiting. Metoclopramide syrup or tablets can speed the passage of food through the stomach, reducing symptoms significantly.
* People who experience sickness with migraine. Metoclopramide syrup or tablets can relieve the nausea and vomiting that often accompany migraine headaches.
* People who are having a general anaesthetic. This can slow down gastric emptying and gut motility, causing post-operative nausea and vomiting. Metoclopramide syrup is safer for patients who may still be a little drowsy.
* People having an investigation such as a barium meal. Metoclopramide dilates the portion of the duodenum adjacent to the stomach exit sphincter and promotes coordinated muscle contractions along the gut, accelerating the passage of the barium meal through the system.
Author Resource:-
Do you suffer from dysphagia and sickness? You may be surprised to discover that liquid metoclopramide, an anti-sickness medicine, is available as part of your treatment. You can find lots more information about the different medication available if you suffer from swallowing difficulties at www.rosemontpharma.com
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