Different Types of Medication for Nausea

Nausea is a symptom everyone will experience at least once in life. It may be associated with a medication, surgery, medical procedure, illness, motion sickness or just simply eating the wrong food. In many cases, medications are not necessary and the nausea will go away on its own. However, when it persists or is severe, the patient may seek the help of a medication to find comfort. Knowing about the medication for nausea that is right for the patient is critical when choosing which one to take.

Promethazine

Promethazine, also known as Phenergan, is classified as a phenothiazine antiemetic and an antihistamine. This drug has a variety of uses, but is mainly used to treat the symptoms of severe allergies and works by blocking the action of certain natural body substances. Common side effects include dry mouth, listlessness, nightmares, ringing in the ears, coordination loss, vomiting, restlessness, feeling abnormally happy, itching, drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, double or blurry vision, nausea, nervousness, hyperactivity and stuffy nose.

Meclizine

Also known as Antivert, this medication is prescribed to treat and prevent nausea, dizziness and vomiting related to motion sickness. The most common side effects include dry mouth, fatigue and drowsiness.

Diphenhydramine

Also known as Benadryl, this common over-the-counter drug is often used to treat the symptoms of allergies and the common cold. It may also be an effective medication for nausea, particularly when related to motion sickness. The most common side effects include dry mouth/throat/nose, dizziness, vomiting or nausea, constipation, headache, excitement, drowsiness, appetite loss, increased chest congestion, muscle weakness and nervousness.

Prochlorperazine

Also known as Compazine, this medication is classified as a phenothiazine antiemetic and has strict warnings for pregnant women. This medication is often prescribed in the treatment of severe nausea and vomiting. It may also be used to help control some symptoms of schizophrenia. The most common side effects include drowsiness, blurry vision, stuffy nose, nausea, trouble urinating, increase in appetite, agitation, insomnia, drooling, shuffling walk, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, constipation, narrowing or widening of pupils, weight gain, feeling jittery, blank facial expression, uncontrollable shaking of a body part, breast enlargement, missed menstrual period, breast milk production and reduced sexual ability in men.

Metoclopramide Injection

Also known as Reglan, this medication is most often administered to diabetic patients to relieve the symptoms associated with slow stomach emptying, such as nausea, heartburn, feeling of fullness, vomiting and loss of appetite. It may also be given to relieve migraine headache-related nausea and vomiting. The most common side effects include flushing, frequent urination, missed menstrual period, breast discharge or enlargement, urinary incontinence, decreased sexual ability, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, nervousness or feeling jittery, pacing, slow or stiff movements, diarrhea, excessive tiredness, headache, restlessness, agitation, insomnia, foot tapping, blank facial expression and nausea.

Ondansetron

Also known as Zofran, this medication is used in the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. It is classified as a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the action of serotonin. The most common side effects include diarrhea, constipation, feeling tired, headache, weakness and dizziness.

Resources

PubMed Health. (2011). Promethazine. Retrieved on March 22, 2011 from PubMed Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000637/

Drugs.com. (2011). Nausea/Vomiting Medications. Retrieved on March 22, 2011 from Drugs.com: https://www.drugs.com/condition/nausea-vomiting.html