Advising on Motion Sickness

Recommending OTC products

There are various OTC products for travel sickness that can be recommended which work in different ways.

Kwells (hyoscine hydrobromide):^5-7

• Works by blocking acetylcholine to stop confusing messages being received by the brain
• Gets to work within 30 minutes
• Comes in a strength suitable for children from four years

Cinnarizine:^8,9

• Is an alternative, sedating antihistamine to help treat motion sickness
• Works by blocking the effects of histamine in the brain, reducing the symptoms of motion sickness
• Must be taken two hours before a journey to be effective

Both of these preparations are available in tablet form that can be sucked, chewed or swallowed, making them easy to use on-the-go.^5-9

Side effects^5,10,11

The most common side effects of hyoscine hydrobromide are dry mouth, constipation and blurred vision. It may also make customers feel drowsy.

The table below highlights advice you can offer customers on dealing with these side effects:⁶

Interactions⁵

The sedative effects of hyoscine hydrobromide may increase when taken with some other medications. It may also affect how well the medications work. Always check with the pharmacist if your customer is taking other medication. 

Cautions⁵

The following customers and elderly should consult their doctor before using Kwells:

• Those under medical care, in particular those at risk of acute urinary retention, or with cardiovascular, metabolic, gastrointestinal, liver or renal disease or suffering from CNS disorders
• Those with ulcerative colitis
• Those with Down's Syndrome
• Those with diarrhoea
• Those with fever.

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