Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome Complications

Diagnosis and Treatment

• The American College of Gastroenterology recommends cannabis cessation as the only definitive treatment to prevent recurrent episodes and their complications, with aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation essential to prevent or treat both dehydration-related complications and rhabdomyolysis 1
• Avoid opioids as they worsen nausea and carry addiction risk without addressing the underlying pathophysiology, according to the American Gastroenterological Association 2, 3

Patient Assessment

• Assess renal function as acute kidney injury can occur from both the hyperemesis itself and from rhabdomyolysis, and check creatine kinase (CK) levels in patients with severe or prolonged vomiting episodes, particularly those with acute kidney injury, as recommended by the American College of Emergency Physicians 1