What should you know about generic nausea medicine?

Nausea may accompany indigestion, stomach inflammation, infection, food-related illness, migraine, medication effects, pregnancy or heat illness. Some medicines calm signals between the gut and brain; others are chosen for a particular trigger. They may reduce symptoms without treating the underlying problem. A pharmacist or clinician can check the active ingredient, interactions and whether a product can cause drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth or changes in heart rhythm.

Take only the recommended dose of a product suitable for you, and check combination cold or stomach products for duplicated ingredients. Sip oral fluids frequently; small amounts may be easier to keep down than a full glass. Choose bland foods when appetite returns and avoid alcohol until you feel recovered. Do not drive or operate machinery if the medicine makes you sleepy. Mention all medicines and supplements before starting an anti-nausea treatment.

Seek prompt care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, a swollen abdomen, fainting, confusion, a severe headache, stiff neck or yellowing of the skin. Get medical advice if fluids will not stay down, urine becomes very scant, or vomiting follows a head injury. Heat exhaustion, food poisoning, gastroenteritis, gastritis, acid reflux, gallstones, hepatitis A and hypoglycaemia can need different treatment, so persistent nausea deserves assessment.

Ask what is most likely causing the nausea, how long to try the medicine and what side effects require stopping it. Check whether you need tests, fluid replacement or treatment for an infection. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, have liver or kidney problems, or take medicines that cause sleepiness.