{"id":62173,"date":"2023-12-13T15:26:21","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T20:26:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62173"},"modified":"2025-10-06T12:39:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T16:39:40","slug":"otc-antiemetic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/otc-antiemetic\/","title":{"rendered":"OTC antiemetic medications: Relief for nausea and vomiting"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nausea and vomiting can be miserable and often unexpected symptoms that can ruin anyone\u2019s day. Many people turn to over-the-counter (OTC) antiemetics, hoping for fast relief. Symptoms of nausea and vomiting can be caused by various factors such as stomach flu, motion sickness, pregnancy, medication side effects, and certain medical conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Antiemetics are anti-nausea drugs. The root word \u201cemesis\u201d is the medical term for vomiting. These medications work by <\/span>targeting pathways in your brain<\/span><\/a> and blocking signals that make you feel nauseous or vomit. Some antiemetics are available over the counter, while some are exclusively prescription drugs. Besides prescription and OTC antiemetics, some people find that natural remedies such as ginger, peppermint, and <\/span>cannabidiol (CBD)<\/span><\/a> are helpful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wondering about the best OTC antiemetic for yourself or someone you care for? Keep reading to learn more about OTC antiemetics, natural remedies, and prescription medications to determine which may work best.<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of OTC antiemetic<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are two main types of OTC antiemetic medications: antihistamines like <\/span>Dramamine<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>dimenhydrinate<\/span><\/a>) and bismuth preparations like <\/span>Pepto-Bismol<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>bismuth subsalicylate<\/span><\/a>). Even though you can get these medicines without a prescription, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional like a physician or pharmacist to determine which one is best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Antihistamines<\/span><\/h3>\n

When you think about <\/span>antihistamines<\/span><\/a>, allergy medications may come to mind. However, antihistamines can help with other ailments besides allergies. Antihistamines work by <\/span>blocking the effects of histamine<\/span><\/a>, a chemical released by your body\u2019s immune system. Histamine plays a role in allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, but it also has other effects. Certain antihistamines work as antiemetics by blocking histamine from binding to receptors in the area of the brain that cause unpleasant symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These medications can help with motion sickness, vertigo, postoperative nausea, and morning sickness. Antiemetics may also reduce radiation-associated or chemotherapy-induced nausea resulting from cancer treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other than Dramamine, some common OTC antihistamines used as antiemetics include Bonine (<\/span>meclizine<\/span><\/a>), <\/span>Benadryl<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a>), and <\/span>Unisom<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>doxylamine<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Dramamine (dimenhydrinate)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dramamine is <\/span>approved by the Food and Drug Administration<\/span><\/a> for relieving and preventing motion sickness. Healthcare professionals may recommend it for treating or preventing nausea and vomiting in other situations as well. This medication is particularly useful for preventing nausea if you take it ahead of time, in anticipation of a known trigger, such as before car travel or radiation treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

For adults and children 12 years and older, the typical dosing of Dramamine is 1 to 2 tablets every four to six hours as needed. To prevent motion sickness, the first dose should be taken 30 minutes to an hour before starting the bothersome activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dramamine is safe for pregnant women to take and may also be used for postoperative nausea after surgery. Dramamine is also <\/span>safe for children<\/span><\/a> ages 2 and older. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions on the label for your child\u2019s age. If your child is younger than 2, check with their doctor before giving Dramamine or any other anti-nausea medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some common side effects of Dramamine include drowsiness, blurred vision, dry nose and throat, and constipation. Because of these side effects, Dramamine should be used with caution in older adults. Note that other medications can interact with Dramamine, so check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to make sure it\u2019s safe for you to take.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bonine (meclizine)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Meclizine is a generic antihistamine used for nausea and vomiting. It\u2019s available with and without a prescription. Bonine is a brand-name version available over the counter as a <\/span>tablet<\/span><\/a> or a <\/span>chewable tablet<\/span><\/a> and is approved for treating and preventing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness related to motion sickness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Healthcare providers also recommend meclizine for vertigo, which is dizziness resulting from imbalances within your inner ear. Providers may also recommend meclizine for managing nausea and vomiting during <\/span>pregnancy<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bonine is safe for use in children 12 years old and older, with typical dosing<\/a> of 12.5\u201325 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed for nausea. The total dosage should not exceed 100 mg per day. Note that this medication should not be used by people with severe kidney disease. Common side effects of Bonine include dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Like Dramamine, Bonine carries risks of drug interactions. Before taking Bonine, discuss all medications you currently take with a trusted healthcare professional to help prevent harmful interactions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benadryl (diphenhydramine)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a> is commonly used for relieving allergies, but this medication can be used as an antiemetic as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Healthcare providers may recommend diphenhydramine to manage nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness and vertigo. Also, Benadryl is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benadryl can be used in adults and children ages 6 and older. Consult a pediatrician before giving diphenhydramine to a younger child.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The typical dosage of diphenhydramine is 25\u201350 mg every four to six hours as needed. To prevent motion sickness, take it 30 to 60 minutes before you anticipate motion. The maximum dosage totals 300 mg per day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Benadryl include sleepiness, dry mouth, fatigue, and blurred vision. Similar to other antihistamines, Benadryl can interact with other medications. Benadryl is not usually recommended for older adults due to the risk of drowsiness and falling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unisom (doxylamine)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Doxylamine is another antihistamine medication used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnant women alongside <\/span>pyridoxine<\/span><\/a> (vitamin B6). In fact, doxylamine is a <\/span>first-line recommended treatment for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unisom<\/span><\/a> should not be given to children for nausea and vomiting.<\/span><\/p>\n

For nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, the usual dosage of doxylamine is 12.5 or 25 mg once daily at bedtime. If your symptoms are not controlled at this dose, your doctor may recommend a higher dosage. Common side effects of doxylamine include headache, drowsiness, and constipation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bismuth subsalicylate\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another OTC antiemetic that can be used for nausea and vomiting is bismuth subsalicylate. This ingredient is found in several brand-name and generic medications, including:<\/span><\/p>\n