Management of Medication-Induced Nausea

General Principles

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends ruling out other causes of nausea, including constipation, concurrent medications, metabolic disturbances, or underlying gastrointestinal pathology, when managing medication-induced nausea 1, 2
• Initial symptomatic management of nausea can include antiemetics such as prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, or ondansetron, as recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1, 2
• If nausea persists beyond one week despite as-needed antiemetics, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests considering scheduled around-the-clock antiemetic therapy for one week, then transitioning back to as-needed dosing 1, 2

Considerations for Treatment

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network notes that individual variation is significant in the experience of medication-induced nausea, and some patients may require medication adjustment or alternative treatment 2