An antiemetic is any drug that alleviates your nausea and vomiting. Taking an antiemetic can be vital in the event of chronic nausea or vomiting because in addition to relieving these symptoms, they also help prevent some associated health issues, like:
There are several OTC types of medicine which are used as antiemetics.
Bismuth subsalicylate is a OTC drug that helps treat nausea and vomiting related to gastroenteritis and upset stomach. This drug is also widely utilized to treat diarrhea as well. Drug side effects are minimal and may include darkened stools, constipation and tinnitus.
Bismuth subsalicylate antiemtic type drug is not recommended or needs to be used with caution if you:
- take anticoagulants
- have drug allergy to aspirin
- medications for diabetes, gout, arthritis
- taking pain relievers containing salicylate
Bismuth subsalicylate should never be given to children under 18 who may be suffering from the flu or chickenpox because of an increased risk of Reye’s Syndrome.
Nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness and vertigo may be prevented by taking dimenhydrinate or meclizine. Both are a type of OTC antihistamine and considered antiemetic.
A common side effect is a dry mouth. And because these antiemetics frequently cause drowsiness, you shouldn’t take them with sedatives, i.e. alcohol, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants.
Dimenhydrinate or meclizine antiemtic drug type probably should be avoided if you have:
- glaucoma
- hypertension
- heart disease
- thyroid problem
- enlarged prostate
- lung disease ~ asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis
At a minimum, ask your health care provider before taking these types of antiemetics.
Phosphorated carbohydrate solution is a OTC liquid drug designed to treat nausea and vomiting caused by viral infections, bacterial infections or just plain overeating. Not an antiemetic recommend for diabetics and those with fructose intolerance.