What are over-the-counter (OTC) medications for nausea and vomiting?

From the Guidelines

Over-the-counter medications for nausea and vomiting include antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine), which are effective for motion sickness and general nausea at doses of 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours for dimenhydrinate or 25-50 mg once daily for meclizine. These medications can be used to manage nausea and vomiting, especially when symptoms are mild to moderate.

• Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) is available over-the-counter and can be taken at a dose of 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 400 mg in 24 hours 1.
• Meclizine (Bonine) is also available over-the-counter and can be taken at a dose of 25-50 mg once daily 1. Other options for managing nausea and vomiting include:
• Ginger supplements (250-1000 mg), which can help with mild nausea, pregnancy-related morning sickness, and motion sickness, working through anti-inflammatory properties 1.
• Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) at 30 ml or 2 tablets every 30-60 minutes (maximum 8 doses in 24 hours), which helps with nausea associated with upset stomach and diarrhea by coating the stomach lining 1. It's essential to take these medications at the first sign of nausea rather than waiting until symptoms worsen. Additionally, staying hydrated with small sips of clear fluids, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, and trying to eat small, bland meals can help manage nausea and vomiting. If nausea persists beyond 24-48 hours, is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, high fever, or if you're pregnant, it's crucial to seek medical attention as these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring prescription medications or other interventions 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Dimenhydrinate Injection, USP is indicated for the prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, or vertigo of motion sickness. Nausea or vomiting may be expected to be controlled for approximately 4 hours with 50 mg, and prevented by a similar dose every 4 hours

OTC medications for nausea and vomiting include:

• Dimenhydrinate (PO) 2 Dimenhydrinate is available over-the-counter and can be used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, especially for motion sickness. The typical adult dose is 50 mg every 4 hours, which can provide approximately 4 hours of control over nausea and vomiting.

From the Research

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications for Nausea and Vomiting

• Antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate, are commonly used OTC medications for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, particularly for motion sickness 3, 4, 5.
• Dimenhydrinate has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing the frequency of vomiting in children with mild dehydration due to infectious gastroenteritis 6.
• Scopolamine, another OTC medication, has been found to be effective in preventing motion sickness, although it may have more side effects than antihistamines 7, 5.
• Other OTC medications, such as meclizine and promethazine, may also be used to treat nausea and vomiting, although their effectiveness and safety may vary 3, 7.

Specific Medications and Their Effects

• Dimenhydrinate: reduces the frequency of vomiting in children with mild dehydration due to infectious gastroenteritis 6, and is effective against motion sickness 3, 5.
• Scopolamine: effective in preventing motion sickness, but may have more side effects than antihistamines 7, 5.
• Antihistamines (e.g. promethazine, meclizine): may be effective in treating nausea and vomiting, although their effectiveness and safety may vary 3, 7.

Important Considerations

• It is essential to identify the cause of nausea and vomiting before considering OTC medication treatment 4.
• Patients should be aware of potential interactions between OTC medications and other products, and use them safely 4.
• The effectiveness and safety of OTC medications for nausea and vomiting may vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated 3, 7, 6, 5.