Nausea control medicine

Medicines for nausea work in different ways: some calm signals to the vomiting centre, some support stomach movement, and others reduce acid or motion-related symptoms. Nausea may accompany gastroenteritis or food poisoning, but it can also occur with gastritis, acid reflux, gallstones, heat exhaustion, hepatitis A or low blood sugar. Treating the cause is often as important as settling the symptom. Some products cause drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision or constipation, and alcohol or other sedating medicines may increase these effects.

Ask a pharmacist or clinician which product fits your symptoms, age, pregnancy status, allergies and existing conditions. Follow the label or prescription directions, and do not combine products with similar ingredients. Take small sips of fluid and try bland, small meals if tolerated. Avoid driving if a medicine makes you sleepy or affects alertness. Tell the clinician about vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, new medicines and recent travel or food exposure, because these details can change the recommended treatment.

Get urgent help for blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, severe abdominal pain, a rigid or swollen abdomen, confusion, fainting, chest pain, severe headache, or inability to keep fluids down. Heat exhaustion and low blood sugar need prompt attention when there is marked weakness, sweating, dizziness or confusion. Arrange medical review when nausea persists, returns frequently, follows a new medicine or comes with yellowing of the skin or eyes.

What is the likely cause of my nausea? Which medicine is suitable with my current prescriptions? How long should I use it, and what side effects require a call? Could dehydration, reflux or low blood sugar be contributing?