Medication Information Leaflet

What are anti-nausea medications for?

Anti-nausea medications or antiemetics are a group of medications that treat nausea and vomiting. Some of these medications work by speeding up the movement of food through the stomach and the digestive tract. Others work by blocking the chemical signal in your brain that causes the feeling of nausea and vomiting. The main factor influencing drug choice is the cause of nausea and vomiting. 

They may include medications such as:

• Domperidone
• Dimenhydrinate
• Cinnarizine 
• Cyclizine

They may be found in either liquid or tablet form.

How should I take these medications?

• Take these medications as recommended by your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional if you are not sure how to take these medications correctly.
• If your symptoms persist or worsen after 2 days of taking these medications, please speak to your healthcare professional.
• The medications listed below are used in self-treatment of nausea and vomiting in adults.

What should I do if I forget to take these medications?

These medications may be taken when required for a short period of time. This means you no longer have to take them if you do not have any more symptoms. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not take two doses or extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking these medications?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to anti-nausea medications or any other ingredients used in these medications.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have other medical conditions.
• You are older than 60 years old.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately.

What are some common side effects of these medications?

• Domperidone: Dry mouth, headache
• Dimenhydrinate, Cinnarizine and Cyclizine: drowsiness, dry mouth, and headache

These side effects are usually mild and go away after some time. However, if the symptoms are bothersome, do not go away or become worse, stop these medications and consult your healthcare professional.

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to see a doctor immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop these medications and see your doctor immediately.

Signs that your condition may require further medical attention include:

• Vomiting repeatedly for more than 48 hours and is not improving 
• Feeling unwell or weak
• Vomiting blood
• Weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• Very bad chest pain or stomach pain 
• High fever

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop these medications and see your doctor immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take these medications?

• Antacid or antisecretory agents may reduce the absorption of Domperidone. Take these agents at least 2 hours apart from Domperidone. 
• Avoid alcoholic drinks as they can increase the sedative effects of Dimenhydrinate, Cinnarizine, and Cyclizine. 

Let your healthcare professional know if you are taking, or planning to take any other herbal products, supplements or medications. 

How should I store these medications?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep these medications away from children. 

How do I throw these medications away safely?

Pack these medications into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimers

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

The information above is solely for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medicine or other treatment. Always speak with your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before taking any medicine or supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. Under no circumstances will the National Medication Information workgroup be liable to any person for damages of any nature arising in any way from the use of such information.

Last updated on September 2023