Motion sickness medication
Reading File
Reading File
Searching the Web
CDC motion sickness medication scopolamine antihistamines guidance
Searching PubMed
motion sickness treatment
Finding Sources
For most adults, common options are:
- Meclizine: longer acting and usually less sedating. Useful for a day trip or cruise.
- Dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine: effective but more likely to cause drowsiness.
- Scopolamine skin patch: prescription-only in many places; useful for longer travel, especially cruises. Apply before travel as directed.
Take preventive medicine before the journey begins, since it works better than taking it after nausea has started. First-generation antihistamines and scopolamine are the main effective options; non-drowsy allergy medicines such as cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine generally do not prevent motion sickness. The CDC motion-sickness guidance supports these choices.
Safety
- Do not drive, drink alcohol, or combine with sedatives after taking these medicines.
- Scopolamine and antihistamines can cause dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary difficulty, and confusion, especially in older adults.
- Ask a clinician or pharmacist first if you have glaucoma, prostate/urinary-retention problems, heart rhythm issues, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or need medicine for a child.
- For children, do not use adult products or doses without age-specific pharmacist/clinician advice.
Also help prevent symptoms by sitting where motion is least felt, looking at the horizon, getting fresh air, and avoiding heavy meals and alcohol before travel.
This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.