Antiemetic: A Practical Guide to Nausea Medicines

Nausea can stop you from working, eating, or enjoying a trip. Antiemetics are the medicines that help ease or stop nausea and vomiting quickly. This page gives straight answers: when to use them, common options, safety points, and a few non-drug tricks that actually help.

When to use an antiemetic

Grab an antiemetic if nausea is making it hard to drink or keep food down, if you’re vomiting frequently, or if you’re about to start chemo or surgery and your doctor prescribes one. For motion sickness, short trips, or a one-time stomach bug, a single dose of an over-the-counter option often does the job. If nausea lasts more than 48 hours, you can’t stay hydrated, or you have severe belly pain or blood in vomit, seek medical care right away.

Different causes need different choices. For example, chemotherapy-related nausea often needs stronger prescription drugs. Motion sickness responds better to antihistamines. Pregnancy-related nausea is handled carefully—talk to your provider before taking anything.

Common antiemetics and what to expect

Here are the types you’ll run into, with simple notes on what they do and common side effects:

• Ondansetron (Zofran) — used for chemo, surgery, severe nausea. Works fast, usually not sedating. Can affect heart rhythm in some people, so check with your doctor if you take other meds that prolong QT.
• Metoclopramide (Reglan) — helps stomach empty, useful for gastroparesis and some post-op nausea. Can cause twitching or, rarely, movement issues if used long term.
• Promethazine / Prochlorperazine — older drugs that are effective but often make you sleepy and dry out mucous membranes.
• Domperidone — used in some countries for gastroparesis and nausea; less sedating but may carry cardiac risk for certain people.
• Dimenhydrinate / Meclizine — antihistamines good for motion sickness, but expect drowsiness.

Side effects matter. Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and rare cardiac or movement-related risks are the main concerns. Always tell your prescriber about other meds, heart problems, or pregnancy.

Want non-drug options? Try ginger (tea or capsules), small bland meals, peppermint tea, and acupressure bands on the wrist. These help a lot for mild nausea and are safe to combine with meds.

If you plan to buy antiemetics online, use licensed pharmacies, check that prescription-only drugs require a prescription, and avoid sites with unrealistic prices or no contact info. Keep meds in their original packaging and follow storage instructions.

If nausea is sudden, severe, or won’t stop, call your doctor or go to the emergency room. A short chat with your healthcare provider will get you the right medicine and lower the chance of side effects.