I. Introduction
Nausea, the unpleasant sensation of feeling sick to your stomach, can strike at any time and is caused by various factors, including motion sickness, morning sickness, indigestion, and side effects of medications. Nausea can be an incredibly frustrating and debilitating experience that can interfere with your daily routine.
If you’re struggling with intense nausea, don’t worry, there are many different medicines that can provide relief! This comprehensive guide will explore the top nausea-fighting medications, including over-the-counter options, doctor-recommended medicines, and natural remedies. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of the options available to you and be well-equipped to choose the right medication to fight off nausea effectively.
II. Top 5 Medicines for Nausea Relief: A Comprehensive Guide for Better Digestion
In this section we will explore the top 5 medications, how they work, and their pros and cons:
1. Ondansetron
Usually known by the brand name Zofran, Ondansetron is a powerful drug that works by blocking the action of the chemicals in the body that cause nausea and vomiting. This medication usually comes in the form of a tablet, a dissolvable tablet or a liquid. The effects of the drug usually last for up to 12 hours.
Pros:
- Very effective at stopping nausea
- Available in different forms for convenience
- Works quickly after administration
Cons:
- Can cause headaches
- Can cause constipation in some patients
- May be expensive depending on insurance coverage
Dosage and Precautions:
The typical adult dose is 8 milligrams taken either as an injection, a dissolvable pill or a pill that can be swallowed. The maximum adult dose is 32mg in a day since taking too much of this medicine can cause serious side effects.
2. Metoclopramide
Commonly sold under the brand name Reglan, Metoclopramide is an effective medication that works by increasing the movement of the stomach and intestines, which helps speed up digestion and reduces the feeling of nausea. This medication is available as a pill, injection or syrup.
Pros:
- Effective at treating nausea and vomiting
- Helps to improve gastrointestinal motility and speed up digestion
- Multiple forms of administration available
Cons:
- Can cause drowsiness
- Can cause diarrhea
- May decrease blood pressure in older adults
Dosage and Precautions:
The typical adult dose of this medicine is 10 to 15mg taken up to four times a day. You should not exceed 4 doses per day. It should not be used for more than 12 weeks.
3. Promethazine
Promethazine is a popular antihistamine medication that can be very helpful in easing the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. This medication is available in pill form, syrup, and suppository form. This drug is often used to treat motion sickness, allergies and other health concerns.
Pros:
- Effective at treating nausea and vomiting
- Can also help with insomnia due to its sedative effects
- Can be used to treat other conditions apart from nausea such as motion sickness
- Multiple formulary options available
Cons:
- Can cause severe drowsiness
- Can cause low blood pressure
- Can Cause dry mouth and blurred vision
Dosage and Precautions:
The typical adult dosage is 12.5 to 25mg taken only once or twice daily. The maximum dose for adults is 25mg in a single dose, and the maximum dose is 100mg per day. It should not be taken for more than two weeks as it can cause serious side effects.
4. Dicyclomine
Dicyclomine, commonly sold under the name Bentyl, is another medication that is used to ease digestive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Dicyclomine works by relaxing the stomach muscles and reducing stomach cramps.
Pros:
- Effective at treating digestive discomfort causes by nausea
- Can be used to treat Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Cons:
- Can cause dizziness or drowsiness
- May cause blurred vision
- Can cause constipation or dry mouth
Dosage and Precautions:
The typical adult dose is 10mg taken up to four times a day. The maximum adult dosage is 20mg to be taken 4 times a day. It should not be used for more than two weeks.
5. Omeprazole
Omeprazole, known under the trade name Prilosec OTC, is designed to reduce stomach acid production, which can be a significant help when you are experiencing nausea.
Pros:
- Effective at reducing stomach acid production
- Can be taken once daily
- Available over the counter
Cons:
- Must be taken daily for several days to see effects
- May cause headache and abdominal discomfort
- May interfere with the absorption of some medications
Dosage and Precautions:
The typical adult dose is 20mg taken once a day before eating. This medicine should not be used for more than 14 days unless directed by a physician.
III. Banish Nausea with These Trusted Over-The-Counter Medicines
In this section, we will explore some of the most popular over-the-counter medicines to relieve nausea effectively:
1. Dramamine
Dramamine is a widely known medication that can provide some short-term relief from nausea and vomiting. This medication purpose is specially designed for motion sickness and is available in forms such as chewable tablets, capsules, and liquids.
Pros:
- Stops symptoms of nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness
- Available in various forms
- Can be found over-the-counter
Cons:
- Can cause drowsiness or dry mouth
- May cause blurred vision
- May cause stomach cramps
Dosage and Precautions:
The usual adult dose is 50 to 100mg taken up to four times a day. The maximum dose is 400mg in a day. Dramamine should not be used for more than two days without the advice of a doctor.
2. Pepto-Bismol
Pepto-Bismol is an antacid medication that is designed to reduce the symptoms of nausea, upset stomach, and other digestive issues. This medication can also be used to treat diarrhea as well.
Pros:
- Effective at treating nausea and vomiting associated with indigestion
- Can help control digestive symptoms, including diarrhea and stomach cramps
- Available in chewable or liquid form
Cons:
- May cause black stool or grey stool
- Can lead to constipation
- May temporarily turn the tongue black
Dosage and Precautions:
The typical adult dose is two tablets or liquid taken 30 minutes after meals and at bedtime or as directed by a physician. The maximum dose is 8 tablets or 525mg every 24 hours.
3. Emetrol
Emetrol is an over-the-counter medication that is specially designed to relieve symptoms of morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting. Emetrol is also safe for use in children as old as two years old.
Pros:
- Effectively treats nausea and vomiting in children and adults
- Safe for use in children as young as 2 years old
- Available without a prescription
Cons:
- May cause diarrhea
- May cause drowsiness
Dosage and Precautions:
For adults and children over the age of 12, the recommended dose is 15ml to 30ml every 15 minutes as needed up to a maximum of 5 doses within a one-hour period. For children aged 2 to 12 years old, only consult with a healthcare professional before use and follow their medication at advice.
IV. Feeling Queasy? Try These Doctor-Recommended Nausea Medicines
If you’re looking for medicines recommended by professionals to relieve nausea and vomiting, this section is for you:
1. Scopolamine transdermal patch
Scopolamine transdermal patch is a doctor-recommended medication that is used to treat nausea, specifically motion sickness. The patch is continually released from a patch that is put on behind the ear, and the effects of the patch can last up to three days.
Pros:
- Effectively prevents nausea due to motion sickness
- Can be left on for up to 72 hours
Cons:
- Can cause adverse side effects such as dry mouth and drowsiness
- May cause blurry vision or dry eyes
- Avoid with people who have certain underlying medical conditions or if taking certain other medications
Dosage and Precautions:
Scopolamine transdermal patch should be used only as directed by a physician, who will recommend the appropriate dose and timing for you.
2. Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Metoclopramide is a doctor-recommended medication that, as we mentioned earlier, can effectively relieve feelings of nausea and vomiting.
Pros:
- Can effectively reduce nausea and vomiting
- Works by enhancing GI motility and intestinal transit
- Available in various forms, including tablets and injections
Cons:
- Can cause drowsiness
- Might cause blurred vision or dizziness
- May cause diarrhea
Dosage and Precautions:
Metoclopramide should be used only as directed by a medical professional. The typical adult dosage is 10mg taken up to four times a day, and it should not be used for more than 12 weeks.
3. Aprepitant (Emend)
Aprepitant is another doctor-recommended medication that is used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or surgery.