What should you know about strong nausea medicine?

Nausea is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. It may accompany a stomach infection, food poisoning, gastroenteritis, acid reflux, gastritis, gallstones, heat exhaustion, hepatitis A, or low blood glucose, among other causes. A medicine that eases nausea may not address dehydration, infection, pain, or a blood-glucose problem. Some products can cause drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, or interactions with medicines you already take. Pregnancy, childhood, older age, and liver or kidney problems can also change what is suitable.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if you can keep fluids down. Choose plain foods when ready and avoid alcohol, heavy meals, and strong smells. Check with a pharmacist or clinician before using an over-the-counter anti-nausea product, especially if you take sedating medicines or have a long-term condition. Follow the label or prescription directions; do not combine products with similar ingredients. Note when nausea began, whether vomiting or diarrhoea is present, and what you can drink.

Get prompt medical advice if vomiting prevents fluids, urine becomes very reduced or dark, or symptoms continue without improvement. Seek urgent help for blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, severe abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, a stiff neck, chest pain, breathing difficulty, or signs of heat illness. A person with diabetes who has nausea and cannot eat or drink should seek advice promptly.

Ask what cause is being treated, how quickly the medicine should work, whether drowsiness affects driving, and which symptoms mean you should return for review.