Nausea is an uncomfortable, queasy feeling in your stomach with or without the urge to vomit.
The best medicine for nausea depends on the underlying cause.
Bismuth subsalicylate works by reducing stomach inflammation and irritation while reducing the spasms that contribute to nausea.
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Antihistamines
Antihistaminesare drugs that treat allergies by reducing a chemical calledhistamine.
Doing so can ease symptoms ofmotion sicknessandvertigo.
It appears to ease nausea symptoms by slowing muscle contractions of the stomach that contribute to nausea.
Anticholinergics work by blocking the transmission of acetylcholine, which activates the vomiting center of the brain.
Anticholinergics like scopolamine are effective for motion sickness and preventing nausea related to general anesthesia.
Dopamine antagonists work by blockingdopamineanother chemical messenger that can stimulate the vomiting center.
They do so in the same way as dopamine agonists; by blocking the action of dopamine.
Options include:
Promethazine is particularly useful because it is also classified as an antihistamine.
Selective Serotonin Receptor (5-HT3) Antagonists
Selective serotonin receptor (5-HT3) antagonists work by blockingserotonin.
5-HT3 antagonists work by blocking communications between the vagal nerve and the vomiting center, easing or preventing nausea.
Zofran is also considered one of the more effective antiemetics for the treatment of severe stomach flu.
Smoking cannabis appears to have the fastest effect.
Morning sickness is different in every person.
Commonly prescribed medications include:
Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new treatment during pregnancy.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
In mild cases, nausea should resolve on its own.
The use of OTC medications can help prevent or treat nausea related to certain triggers, like motion sickness.
Summary
Nausea is a common and uncomfortable feeling.
you could also read the product labels for available OTC medicines to understand their uses better.
The author would like to recognize and thank Norma Ponce, PharmD, MHA for contributing to this article.
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