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Nausea is not a separate disease, but only a subjective, unpleasant symptom that indicates problems in the body. And not always it occurs only with problems with digestion. Often, nausea precedes an attack of vomiting, may occur against the background of abdominal pain and diarrhea, as well as headache, high blood pressure and head trauma. To choose the means that will effectively eliminate nausea, it is necessary to determine the cause of its development, which only a doctor can do. Therefore, if nausea occurs frequently, accompanied by other symptoms, an appointment with a specialist and an examination is necessary, after which he will select safe and effective nausea pills for adults. You can’t do this on your own, the drugs are strong enough, they may have side effects.
To suppress nausea, drugs of several groups are usually used, which affect the center of nausea and vomiting in the brain through different mechanisms. The choice of the best anti-nausea pills for adults is made by the doctor, taking into account the specific symptoms, possible causes and additional complaints, age and existing comorbidities.
What are anti-nausea pills
In general, 4 groups of drugs are used to suppress nausea:
Serotonin receptor antagonists. Drugs in this category do not provoke suppression of the synthesis of serotonin, a hormonal compound that transmits various impulses from internal organs to the brain, which causes nausea and vomiting. However, they help in eliminating its effects in relation to the vomiting center and the formation of the reflex. As a result, the process of suppressing nausea and vomiting occurs as naturally as possible, without sharp fluctuations in the level of serotonin in the plasma and brain. The drugs are quite effective for suppressing nausea of various origins.
Histamine receptor blockers. These drugs are used to suppress allergic reactions, but they can also inhibit the processes in the brain that form the arc of the gag reflex. Only first-generation antihistamines are considered suitable, which significantly affect the functioning of the nervous system.
Means of anticholinergic action. These are drugs that can not only suppress the development of the gag reflex due to the fact that they block interaction with certain receptors. In parallel with this, they eliminate spasms of smooth muscle fibers in the digestive tube. The additional sedative effect of the drugs helps in preventing new vomiting and bouts of nausea.
Dopamine antagonists. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a substance that transmits signals to nerve cells, and when influenced by trigger zones in the vomiting center, it can provoke attacks of nausea. Accordingly, substances with an antagonistic effect on dopamine can block receptors that enhance its synthesis. As a result, the gag reflex is suppressed.
Separately, you can select a group of drugs that have a mild antiemetic effect and eliminate nausea due to natural ingredients. Their effect is not so pronounced, but there are also much fewer side effects. Usually these are plant extracts and combined products.
It is worth dwelling in more detail on new generations of drugs against nausea with vomiting. They have more pronounced effects than other drugs, eliminate nausea without serious effects in the central nervous system. Thus, they do not have pronounced sedative and hypnotic effects, and their use at any time of the day is acceptable. However, they also have a number of serious drawbacks, as they have a number of serious complications if the dose is exceeded or the rules for their use are violated. They can affect vision and liver function, so only a doctor should deal with the selection of drugs.
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We have selected the most effective and commonly prescribed drugs for nausea in adults, which are sold in pharmacies. It is important to know that any medicine must be prescribed by a doctor, and the list below is not a guide to action. Before buying a medicine, you need to consult a specialist, and for many drugs – a doctor’s prescription.
1. Cerukal
2. Motilium
The drug is sold in tablets, including for resorption in the oral cavity. It is released without a prescription, based on the active substance – domperidone. This remedy from the group of dopamine receptor antagonists has an antiemetic effect due to the blockade of receptors in the region of the vomiting center of the brain and inhibition of the transmission of impulse flow from the stomach and intestines. In addition, the drug stimulates intestinal motility, accelerating the removal of contents from the stomach into the intestine.
Shown:
- with nausea of any origin, especially against the background of functional digestive disorders, reflux esophagitis and atony of the stomach;
- with vomiting, belching, flatulence against the background of digestive problems.
It has no side effects in the form of extrapyramidal disorders. Prohibited for suspected internal bleeding, perforation of the walls of the stomach. Contraindicated in severe heart problems and liver damage.
3. Drama
The drug in tablets is released without a doctor’s prescription, based on the active substance – dimenhydrinate. Belongs to the group of antihistamines, has anticholinergic properties with antiemetic effects, suppresses nausea and vomiting, especially when motion sickness in any mode of transport. It is taken one tablet three times a day before the start of the trip. Course treatment is unacceptable, it is necessary to use only when symptoms appear.
Shown:
- with increased excitability of the vestibular apparatus (sickness, Meniere’s disease);
- to eliminate dizziness during motion sickness.
The drug is prohibited during pregnancy, lactation, incompatible with alcohol. Do not take while driving, as it provokes drowsiness and severe lethargy.
4. Lateran
The drug is available in tablets and solutions for injection, sold by prescription. The active substance – ondansetron belongs to the group of serotonin receptor blockers. It has an effect due to the suppression of the activity of serotonin receptors in the region of the vomiting center of the brain, plus, it has a depressant effect on the vagus nerve, which sends impulses to the brain.
Shown:
- with nausea with vomiting after chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
It is well tolerated, can provoke dizziness and headaches, but does not affect dopamine receptors, does not provoke extrapyramidal disorders. Prohibited during pregnancy and lactation, with allergies to components.
5. Buscopan
The drug is available in tablets and rectal suppositories, without a doctor’s prescription. The active substance – hyoscine butylbromide, belongs to the group of anticholinergic blockers. It inhibits secretion by the glands of the digestive tract, has an antispasmodic effect on the muscles of the digestive tube.
Shown:
- with pylorospasm, colic in the abdomen, biliary colic with nausea and vomiting;
- exacerbation of an ulcer of the intestine or stomach with nausea;
- biliary dyskinesia with a tendency to spasms.
Allowed during pregnancy (from the second trimester) and while breastfeeding. Prohibited for admission in patients with megacolon (intestinal expansion) and with glaucoma, myasthenic syndrome, arrhythmias with tachycardia.
6. Aminazine
Antipsychotic agent based on chlorpromazine. The antiemetic effect enhances the sedative properties of the drug. Aminazine is indicated for use in vomiting of pregnant women and as a drug for vomiting that occurs while taking anticancer drugs and radiation therapy.
Do not use Aminazin for pathologies of the functions of the liver and kidneys, for systemic diseases and brain injuries. During pregnancy, the dosage is selected by the doctor. Breast-feeding for the period of treatment of nausea and vomiting with Aminazine should be discontinued. Prescription drug.
7. Air-sea
The drug is designed to eliminate the symptoms of motion sickness, when vomiting and dizziness appear in adults and children over 6 years of age. Effective for seasickness.
These lozenges can be used during pregnancy and lactation after consulting a doctor. Up to 5 tablets can be taken per day. Homeopathic remedy, no prescription required.
8. Bonin
A drug for stopping vomiting and nausea with meclozine in the composition. Available in the form of tablets for oral administration and chewable tablets.
Indications:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- dizziness.
Perhaps the use of the drug to relieve the resulting side effects of radiation therapy. For children over 12 years of age, Bonin is allowed subject to the dosage.
The drug causes drowsiness, and therefore it is necessary to stop driving a car for the period of use.
9. Hofitol
The preparation contains a natural extract of artichoke leaves. The remedy is choleretic and can be prescribed for toxicosis during the period of bearing a child.
Produced in the form of tablets. The main indications include: chronic nephritis, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, renal failure. Contraindicated in children under 6 years of age.
With cholelithiasis, Hofitol should not be taken. May develop diarrhea with prolonged use.
10. Pancreatin
Pancreatin in the form of tablets promotes better digestion of food if nausea is felt after eating. The component of the same name in the composition is effective for violations of the absorption of food after surgical interventions and malnutrition.
For children older than 3 years, the drug is allowed, but the dosage is determined by the doctor. You can buy medicine without a prescription. In the acute period and in the phase of exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, Pancreatin is not used.
How to choose anti-nausea pills for adults
The first thing that is important when choosing drugs is the cause of nausea. It can be poisoning, digestive problems, infectious diseases. In addition, nausea can be a side effect of drugs (for example, when taking chemotherapy) or a consequence of an overdose of drugs. For each situation, it is necessary to choose drugs with a specific mechanism of action:
- If these are viral pathologies of the digestive system, poisoning and microbial pathologies, dopamine receptor blockers may be indicated.
- If this is nausea while taking chemotherapy drugs, agents that have an antagonistic effect on serotonin receptors will be more effective.
- During pregnancy, it is worth fighting nausea due to natural herbal ingredients and non-drug remedies.
- With nausea that occurs as a result of motion sickness in various modes of transport, including sea, antihistamines are indicated.
- Against the background of autonomic reactions and problems with the nervous system, taking the medicine largely depends on the presence of concomitant conditions and the underlying diagnosis.
It’s important! Anti-nausea drugs do not treat the underlying problem, they only suppress the unpleasant symptom, and are usually combined with treatment of the underlying cause of the nausea attack. Without eliminating the cause itself, nausea will occur again and again, and only antiemetics will be ineffective.
Popular questions and answers
We asked questions regarding the development of nausea and its elimination gastroenterologist, therapist Vera Samsonova.
Why can nausea occur?
– Heartburn or reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus creates a burning sensation that causes nausea.
– Propagating in products and releasing toxins, food bacteria cause poisoning. Viral infections also cause nausea.
– Taking medications, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can cause indigestion or nausea. Be sure to read the information about the drug you have been prescribed and discuss the nuances of taking it with your doctor.
Seasickness and motion sickness are caused by the fact that when traveling in a car, train or ship, the messages transmitted to the brain are not synchronized with our sensations of movement. This causes nausea, dizziness, or vomiting.
– Overeating or eating certain foods, such as spicy or fatty foods, can upset your stomach and cause nausea. Foods that you are allergic to also cause nausea.
– Severe pain contributes to the symptoms of nausea – this is especially true for pancreatitis, gallstones or kidney stones.
– Ulcers in the stomach or lining of the small intestine contribute to nausea.
Nausea is also a symptom of a number of other diseases, including: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo; ear infections; acute cardiovascular disease; intestinal obstruction; liver failure or liver cancer; meningitis; migraine.
What to do if you feel sick?
If you feel nauseous, you need to pay attention to food or drink, although sometimes light, simple foods like bread and crackers can help you feel better. Avoid any foods that have a strong flavor, are very sweet, fatty, or fried. They can increase nausea or even cause vomiting.
Natural remedies for nausea include ginger, ginger and peppermint teas, and soft foods that can help soothe the stomach. Some people find relief from nausea by lightly pressing their thumbs into the inside of their wrists.
Can you get rid of nausea yourself?
If you feel a wave of nausea coming on, try taking deep, slow breaths and not thinking about vomiting, which can make your nausea worse.