Prescription pills for nausea: what to know

Nausea can accompany stomach irritation, infection, reflux, gallstones, heat exhaustion or low blood sugar. A medicine that eases the sensation does not necessarily treat the trigger. Some tablets affect signals between the gut and brain; others help the stomach move contents onward. The prescriber may need to know whether you are vomiting, pregnant, dehydrated, taking medicines that affect heart rhythm, or living with liver disease.

Use the medicine exactly as directed and check whether it should be taken with food. Take small frequent sips of fluid and choose simple foods when you can tolerate them. Avoid driving if the tablet makes you sleepy or affects alertness. Do not combine prescription and over-the-counter nausea products unless a pharmacist or clinician confirms that the combination is suitable. Keep a note of vomiting, pain, fever and urine output.

Get urgent medical help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, confusion, fainting, severe headache with neck stiffness, or inability to keep fluids down. Prompt assessment is also needed for signs of dehydration, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or nausea after a possible poisoning.

Ask what may be causing the nausea, how long to use the medicine, whether drowsiness or constipation is expected, and which of your regular medicines should be checked. Ask what fluid plan is appropriate if vomiting continues.