Medicines against vomiting

Introduction

Nausea and vomiting have various causes and are very unpleasant. Especially in small children and very old people, permanent vomiting can even be dangerous: It can lead to a lack of fluid (desiccosis) and to disturbances of the electrolyte balance, which can be life-threatening. Therefore a good therapy of vomiting is very important.

Fields of application

Nausea and vomiting are frequent and very unpleasant complaints, which occur in the context of very different diseases and conditions. Gastrointestinal infections, food poisoning but also certain drugs, such as chemotherapeutic agents, can cause vomiting. Sometimes the nausea is so severe that medication must be taken.

There are a number of different medications for vomiting. A distinction is made between over-the-counter drugs, which can be obtained over the counter from a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription, and prescription drugs. In some situations, vomiting medication can also be taken as a precautionary measure (prophylaxis), e.g. in the run-up to an operation during an anaesthetic or immediately after an operation. Vomiting drugs also play a very important role in the treatment of tumors. They are often taken to prevent the side effects of other drugs and to prevent vomiting.

Over-the-counter medicines for vomiting

If you suffer from nausea and vomiting, you can find some over-the-counter drugs in the pharmacy that can help against the symptoms. They are particularly helpful for mild nausea and moderate vomiting. Such preparations are also well suited to relieve nausea before upcoming trips.

However, if you have been vomiting very frequently for several days, so that you are unable to eat or drink, it is advisable to consult a doctor and refrain from self-medication in order to avoid damage to your health. A frequently purchased and popular active ingredient is dimenhydrinate, which is known to most people in Germany under the trade name “Vomex®”. There are also other trade names, as well as combination preparations containing the active ingredient.

It helps to prevent nausea and vomiting and also has a calming effect. It can cause drowsiness and dizziness in some people. Other side effects are rare, but may occur.

These include dry mouth, blurred vision and an increase in intraocular pressure. You can find more information here: Vomex® Diphenhydramine is another active ingredient that is also available over the counter in pharmacies. In Germany, the drug is known under the trade name “Emesan®” and is available both in tablet and suppository form. Contrary to some assertions on various Internet sites, the active ingredient ondansetron (trade name Zofran®) is not available without a prescription but only on prescription. Therefore, please refrain from buying from a non-licensed online pharmacy.