Medicines to take for nausea

Nausea may follow motion, migraine, pregnancy, a stomach infection, pain, or a medicine side effect. It can also occur with Acid Reflux, Food Poisoning, Gallstones, Gastritis, Gastroenteritis, Heat Exhaustion, Hepatitis A, or Hypoglycaemia. A medicine that helps one cause may not help another and can sometimes mask a problem that needs assessment.

Anti-sickness medicines can affect alertness, coordination, bowel movements, or heart rhythm depending on the product. Tell the pharmacist about allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, kidney or liver problems, and every medicine or supplement you use.

Follow the label or prescription and use the shortest advised course. Take small sips of fluid, rest in a cool place if heat is a trigger, and try dry or plain foods when tolerated. Avoid driving after a first dose if drowsiness is possible. If nausea began after a new prescription, contact the prescriber rather than changing the schedule yourself.

Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, blood in vomit, green vomit, severe headache with a stiff neck, or signs of dehydration. Get medical advice when nausea keeps returning, prevents drinking, lasts beyond a short illness, or comes with jaundice, chest symptoms, or unexplained weight loss.

Ask what cause is most plausible, when the medicine should work, how to handle a missed or vomited dose, and which side effects mean you should stop and seek help.