Feeling sick is one of the most disruptive experiences our bodies can endure, whether it’s triggered by a bumpy car ride, a nasty virus, or side effects from medical treatment.
Fortunately, science has developed a range of “antiemetics” (the fancy medical term for anti-sickness meds) that target the different chemical pathways in the brain and gut that trigger nausea.
Here is an overview of 10 common anti-sickness and nausea tablets, their typical uses, and what to watch out for.
Often considered the “gold standard” for severe nausea, Ondansetron blocks serotonin (5-HT3) receptors in the gut and brain.
Common Use: Post-surgery recovery, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and severe gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
Typical Dose Range: 4mg to 8mg, usually taken 2 to 3 times a day.
Side Effects: Headache (very common), constipation, and a feeling of warmth or flushing.
This is a versatile antihistamine that works by blocking histamine receptors in the brain’s vomiting center.
Common Use: Motion sickness, vertigo, and nausea following surgery or radiotherapy.
Typical Dose Range: 50mg, up to 3 times a day.
Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and sometimes a “jittery” feeling.
This medication speeds up how fast your stomach empties (prokinetic) and blocks dopamine receptors.
Common Use: Migraine-associated nausea, gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying), and post-op sickness.
Typical Dose Range: 10mg, up to 3 times a day (short-term use only, typically 5 days max).
Side Effects: Restlessness, fatigue, and in rare cases, involuntary muscle movements (extrapyramidal symptoms).
A member of the phenothiazine family, it is highly effective at settling the balance center in the inner ear.
Common Use: Vertigo (Meniere’s disease), severe nausea, and migraines.
Typical Dose Range: 5mg to 10mg tablets (oral) or 3mg buccal tablets (dissolved under the lip).
Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Another powerful antihistamine that is very sedating, which can be a plus if you just want to sleep through the nausea.
Common Use: Motion sickness, travel sickness, and morning sickness (under strict medical supervision).
Typical Dose Range: 20mg to 25mg at bedtime or before travel.
Side Effects: Significant drowsiness/sedation, blurred vision, and dry nose/throat.
Similar to metoclopramide, it helps move food through the stomach more quickly but doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier as easily, meaning fewer mental side effects.
Common Use: Sickness caused by other medications or slow stomach emptying.
Typical Dose Range: 10mg, up to 3 times a day for a maximum of one week.
Side Effects: Dry mouth, and rarely, heart rhythm changes (which is why it’s strictly regulated).
A popular over-the-counter choice for travelers, this is an antihistamine specifically tailored for the inner ear.
Common Use: Prevention and treatment of motion sickness and dizziness.
Typical Dose Range: 25mg to 50mg once daily.
Side Effects: Mild drowsiness (less than Promethazine), fatigue, and dry mouth.
Technically an anticholinergic, this drug calms the signals sent from the inner ear to the brain.
Common Use: Specifically for motion sickness (sea, air, or car).
Typical Dose Range: 150mcg to 300mcg (often as “melt-in-the-mouth” tablets) every 6 hours.
Side Effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision (dilated pupils), and potential confusion in older adults.
While primarily a steroid, it is a potent “booster” when used alongside other anti-sickness meds.
Common Use: Preventing severe nausea from chemotherapy or surgery.
Typical Dose Range: Varies widely (often 4mg to 8mg) depending on the treatment plan.
Side Effects: Increased appetite, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and mood swings.
The only non-prescription “coating agent” on this list, it works directly in the stomach rather than on the brain’s receptors.
Common Use: Upset stomach, indigestion, and nausea related to “stomach flu” or overindulgence.
Typical Dose Range: 262mg to 524mg (1–2 tablets) every 30 to 60 minutes as needed (max 8 doses in 24 hours).
Side Effects: Temporary darkening of the tongue or stools (harmless) and constipation.
Important Safety Note
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new medication. Dosage ranges provided are general guidelines and may vary based on individual health needs. Some anti-sickness tablets can interact with antidepressants or heart medications, so full disclosure of your current meds to your doctor is a must!
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