Over-the-counter nausea medications: 3 types

Most of the time, nausea and vomiting do not need prescription medications to treat. They are typically symptoms of health conditions, like motion sickness, stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, which can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medication.

These OTC options are known as antiemetic medications. They work by interrupting the pathways in your brain that cause your feelings of nausea and symptoms of vomiting.

The type of medication you should look for will depend on what is causing your symptoms of nausea or vomiting. This is because each antiemetic drug contains different active ingredients that will target individual symptoms.

This includes:

Motion sickness

Many people experience feelings of nausea that sometimes leads to vomiting as a result of motion sickness. Motion sickness can develop when you are traveling or moving in a way whereby what your eyes are processing is different from what your inner ear senses. Your inner ear is responsible for your balance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motion sickness is more common in children between the ages of 2 and 12 years.

Several medications, such as antihistamines, can prevent motion sickness. They work by reducing the ability of the nerves in your inner ear to sense movement, which prevents nausea and vomiting.

First-generation antihistamines are more effective at preventing motion sickness but can have side effects, including feeling sleepy or tired.

Other side effects include:

• headaches
• dry mouth
• constipation
• blurry vision

Examples of first-generation antihistamines include:

• Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine): You should take your first dose half an hour or an hour before you start the activity that may cause you to experience motion sickness. Adults and children over the age of 12 can take 1–2 tablets every 4–6 hours but must not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
• Meclizine (Bonine): You can take 25 milligrams (mg) once every 24 hours. Children under the age of 12 should not take this drug.
• Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimetron): This medication may be more likely to cause sleepiness. You can take 4–12 mg at a time, with a maximum of 24 mg in a 24-hour time frame.

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Stomach flu

Stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, is typically the result of a viral or bacterial infection that causes nausea and vomiting.

While medications cannot treat stomach flu, certain OTC medications can help stop the vomiting. However, it is important to speak with a doctor before trying OTC medication.

One of these medications is bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). This medication coats the lining of your stomach to reduce upset stomach and feelings of nausea. It is available in liquid and tablet forms.

Those above the age of 12 years can take Pepto-Besmol for a maximum of 2 days. Possible side effects include black stools and dizziness. These are typically temporary and disappear within 7 days.

Another medication option is Emetrol, which includes the ingredients glucose, fructose, and phosphoric acid. This drug works to stop you from vomiting by directly calming the stomach muscles.

This is available as a liquid that you take every 15 minutes at 15–30 milliliters (mL) if you are over the age of 12 years or 5–10 mL if your child is between the ages of 2 and 12 years.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness, or hyperemesis gravidarum, is a common experience during pregnancy. It has been found to affect up to 85% of pregnant people. It can result in nausea and vomiting.

Doxylamine and pyridoxine are safe and effective OTC medications that can be taken together to manage and treat nausea and vomiting from pregnancy. In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration approved this combination for treating nausea and vomiting in people who are pregnant. The combination is also available with a prescription as one medication in a delayed-release formulation called Diclegis.

OTC forms of this medication often include vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Taking two tablets before bed on an empty stomach is the typical recommendation.

There are chances of side effects with doxylamine, like any other medication. It can affect many systems in your body. For example, the non-selective activity of this medication can lead to skin flushing and hyperthermia.

Other side effects can include:

• low blood pressure
• allergic skin reactions
• lack of coordination
• drowsiness
• constipation
• blurry vision
• urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Summary

There are a variety of medications available OTC to help manage and treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

The type of medication that is best for your symptoms will depend on the cause. For example, if you experience gastroenteritis, an OTC option will aim to relax your stomach muscles to prevent further vomiting.

Motion sickness requires medications that prevent your inner ear from sensing motion in your surroundings, which can prevent symptoms of nausea. Treatment options typically include antihistamine medications combined with vitamin B6.

Certain medications are not suitable for children. It is important always to read the label and speak with a doctor before taking an OTC medication for nausea or vomiting.

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