From the Guidelines
For a 15-year-old female experiencing seasickness, I recommend trying ginger supplements or ginger-containing products, such as ginger candies, as a first-line treatment, due to their antinausea properties and potential calming effects 1. When considering treatment options, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks of each. Ginger has been shown to have some antinausea properties and is useful in the management of motion sickness, making it a viable option for this patient 1. Some key points to consider when using ginger for seasickness include:
- Ginger supplements can be taken in doses of 250 mg four times daily
- Ginger candies or other ginger-containing products can also be used
- Ginger may have antiplatelet activity, and large doses can prolong bleeding time, so caution should be exercised when using it, especially in patients with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications 1 In addition to ginger, other non-medication options can be used to help manage seasickness, such as:
- Wearing acupressure wristbands
- Focusing on the horizon
- Staying in the middle of the boat where motion is less severe
- Ensuring adequate fresh air
- Avoiding heavy meals, alcohol, and strong odors before and during the trip If these options do not provide relief, it may be necessary to consider other treatment options, such as over-the-counter medications like dimenhydrinate or meclizine, or consulting a healthcare provider about a prescription scopolamine patch.
From the FDA Drug Label
Dimenhydrinate Injection, USP is indicated for the prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, or vertigo of motion sickness. For a 15-year-old female patient with seasickness, dimenhydrinate (PO) can be considered as it is indicated for the prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, or vertigo of motion sickness.
- The patient's age is within a range where dimenhydrinate can be used, but the dosage should be determined according to the drug label instructions or clinical guidelines. 2
From the Research
Treatment Options for Seasickness
- For a 15-year-old female patient, the following treatment options can be considered:
- Scopolamine: a first-line medication for prevention of motion sickness, administered transdermally several hours before the anticipated motion exposure 3
- First-generation antihistamines: effective in preventing motion sickness, although they can be sedating 3
- Meclizine: an anticholinergic and antihistaminergic agent that may be an appropriate option for patients suffering from seasickness 4
- The following options are not recommended:
Behavioral Strategies
- In addition to medication, the following behavioral strategies can be recommended:
- Watching the true visual horizon
- Steering the vehicle
- Tilting their head into turns
- Lying down with their eyes closed
- Reducing other sources of physical, mental, and emotional discomfort 3