Feeling queasy ruins your plans fast. Whether it’s motion sickness, a stomach bug, pregnancy, or reflux, there are medicines that help — but they’re not all the same. This page gives plain, useful facts so you can talk to your pharmacist or doctor and pick the safest option for your situation.
Ondansetron (Zofran) — a 5-HT3 blocker often used for chemo or post-op nausea. It works fast and is usually well tolerated, but it can affect heart rhythm in some people.
Domperidone (Motilium) — a prokinetic that speeds stomach emptying and reduces nausea. It’s helpful for bloating and gastroparesis, but certain heart risks mean doctors check your heart and other meds first.
Metoclopramide (Reglan) — another prokinetic that helps with stomach emptying and severe nausea. Long-term use can cause movement side effects, so it’s usually short-term.
Promethazine and prochlorperazine — older dopamine blockers and antihistamines often used for severe nausea. They work well but can make you drowsy and cause other side effects.
Meclizine and dimenhydrinate — over-the-counter antihistamines that work well for motion sickness and vertigo. Expect sleepiness at higher doses.
Proton-pump inhibitors (like Protonix/pantoprazole) and antacids — not classic antiemetics, but useful when reflux or acid is the cause of nausea.
Match the drug to the cause: prokinetics help when the stomach is slow; antihistamines help motion sickness; ondansetron is great for intense, short-term nausea. If you’re unsure, ask your provider what the likely cause is.
Watch interactions and heart risks. Some anti-nausea meds can prolong QT interval or interact with common drugs. Tell your provider about heart problems, other medicines, and supplements.
Pregnancy: vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) with doxylamine is the common first-line approach for morning sickness. Ondansetron is used by many, but discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
OTC and home options: ginger, small bland meals, hydration solutions, and acupressure bands often help mild nausea. For food poisoning or viral gastroenteritis, focus on fluids and rest; medicine can help if vomiting prevents rehydration.
Red flags — see a doctor or ER if you have severe abdominal pain, high fever, signs of dehydration (little urine, dizziness), persistent vomiting for more than 24 hours, or bloody vomit. Those require urgent care.
Buying online: if you consider ordering meds, pick licensed pharmacies and avoid unknown sites. We have articles on Motilium and online pharmacy safety that explain what to check before you buy.
Got a specific cause or med in mind? Ask your pharmacist or bring a list of medicines to your next visit — that saves time and helps avoid risky combos.
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