Certain anti-nausea medications, such as metoclopramide, ondansetron, or diphenhydramine, may be prescribed by a doctor to reduce the intensity and frequency of nausea and vomiting, as well as to prevent them. Most of these medications act directly on the vomiting center in the brain, controlling gastric emptying and reducing the feeling of nausea.
These medications can be used for nausea related to motion sickness, cancer treatments, food poisoning, or infections. In addition, in certain situations, they may also be indicated for vomiting in children.
Treatment for nausea and vomiting should always be prescribed by a general practitioner or gastroenterologist, depending on the identified cause, with appropriate dosage and treatment duration defined by the healthcare professional.
Medications available in pharmacies
The following medications may be prescribed by a doctor to reduce nausea and/or vomiting:
1. Metoclopramide
Metoclopramide is a medication that promotes gastric emptying. It is indicated for nausea or vomiting related to surgery, metabolic disorders, infections, side effects of medications, or chemotherapy.
This medication works by increasing muscle contractions in the digestive tract, thus facilitating gastric and intestinal emptying. Its effect usually begins 30 to 60 minutes after oral administration.
Metoclopramide can be found in the form of an oral solution, under the trade name Primpéran.
In addition, metoclopramide can also be administered by intravenous or intramuscular injection in a hospital setting.
2. Domperidone
Domperidone is a drug that accelerates gastric emptying and may be indicated to relieve nausea and vomiting related to delayed digestion, gastroesophageal reflux, or esophagitis.
It is also used in cases of nausea induced by chemotherapy, radiotherapy or certain drugs for Parkinson’s disease, such as levodopa.
Domperidone works by increasing intestinal transit and accelerating gastric emptying, so food remains in the stomach for a shorter time. This process facilitates digestion and prevents food from flowing back into the esophagus, thus reducing nausea and preventing vomiting.
This medicine can be found in pharmacies under the trade name Motilium and is available in 10 mg tablets or as a 1 mg/mL oral suspension.
3. Ondansetron
Ondansetron, sold under the brand name Zofran, belongs to the class of serotonin receptor antagonists. These medications are indicated to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Indeed, they work by blocking the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in nausea of digestive or central origin.
4. Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine, known by the brand name Nautamine, is an antihistamine indicated for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, or dizziness due to motion sickness. It works by blocking the action of histamine in the brain and reducing the secretion of gastric acid.
This medication is available in injectable form, for hospital use, and can be prescribed in cases of severe nausea.
5. Meclizine
Meclizine is an antihistamine that blocks the release of histamine, and may be indicated for nausea or vomiting related to pregnancy, labyrinthitis, Ménière’s disease, travel, or radiotherapy.
It is available in chewable or classic tablet form, from 25 to 50 mg, for adults and children over 12 years old.
6. Trimebutine
Trimebutine is an antispasmodic used to prevent or treat vomiting and nausea caused by gastroesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, or certain digestive examinations such as barium x-ray or endoscopy.
This medication acts directly on the digestive tract by reducing gastrointestinal spasms. It is available in 200 mg capsules and can be prescribed to adults or adolescents over 12 years of age.
7. Scopolamine
Scopolamine, available as a transdermal patch under the trade name Scopoderm TTS, is an anticholinergic indicated to prevent motion sickness or nausea and vomiting related to surgery.
This medication works by reducing stomach contractions or spasms, thereby decreasing the feeling of nausea or preventing vomiting.
Scopolamine should only be used with a doctor’s prescription, as it is contraindicated in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with glaucoma. Furthermore, it can cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, low blood pressure, heart palpitations, or urinary retention.
Natural remedy options
Some natural remedies, such as ginger or chamomile infusions, can help relieve nausea. These plants have antiemetic properties, which aid digestion and soothe the stomach lining.
Therefore, they can be used in addition to medical treatment, according to the recommendations of the healthcare professional.
Children’s anti-nausea medication
In France, anti-nausea medications for children, such as metoclopramide or ondansetron, are prescribed only when medically necessary, with particular attention paid to the child’s age and weight. Prescriptions are made exclusively on the advice of a pediatrician, as some medications can cause serious side effects in young children.
If the child vomits, it is important to give them plenty of fluids to drink, such as tea, water, or coconut water, to prevent dehydration. The child can also take a homemade rehydration solution or oral rehydration sachets available at pharmacies.
It is also essential to follow a suitable diet for a certain period of time, avoiding heavy meals and favouring easily digestible foods such as rice purees, cooked rice with carrots, white meats like turkey or chicken, or cooked fish.
Anti-emetic during pregnancy
Anti-nausea medications should be avoided during pregnancy unless prescribed by a gynecologist.
In cases of severe vomiting, such as hyperemesis gravidarum, vitamin B6 may be indicated to prevent dehydration or malnutrition.
Certain measures can also help reduce nausea during pregnancy:
- Avoid heavy meals;
- Eat every 2 to 3 hours;
- Do not lie down immediately after eating;
- Avoid fatty or spicy foods;
- Avoid strong odors, tobacco or coffee.
Appropriate treatment may include vitamin supplements, proper hydration, and electrolyte intake.