Kwells for nausea: what to know

Kwells is a brand of hyoscine hydrobromide, an antimuscarinic medicine used for travel sickness. It can reduce the nerve signals that contribute to nausea and vomiting. It may cause a dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness or constipation, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Nausea may also occur with acid reflux, food poisoning, gallstones, gastritis, gastroenteritis, heat exhaustion, hepatitis A or hypoglycaemia. Relieving the feeling does not identify or remove the underlying cause.

Follow the product instructions or advice from a pharmacist, and use the lowest amount that is appropriate for you. Tell a clinician if you have glaucoma, difficulty passing urine, bowel obstruction, prostate problems, or a history of strong reactions to similar medicines. Ask before use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for a child.

Take small sips of fluid if you can, avoid alcohol, and choose light foods when tolerated. If nausea began after a new medicine, do not stop an essential prescription without advice; ask whether it could be contributing.

Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, blood in vomit, a stiff neck, severe headache, signs of dehydration, yellowing of the skin, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange an assessment when nausea persists, repeatedly returns or comes with unexplained weight loss.

Ask whether Kwells fits the likely cause of your nausea, whether your medicines or health conditions make it unsuitable, and how long self-treatment is reasonable. Ask what symptoms would mean you need examination or tests.