Motion Sickness Treatment

Clinic A/P, adults, Clinic A/P, Peds, Hospital A/P, Adults, Hospital A/P, Peds

Scopolamine patch is the most effective medication for motion sickness. The patch is more effective than the oral scopolamine.

  1. Scopolamine 1.5 mg transdermal patch; apply 1 patch to mastoid at least 4 hours before travel, then every 3 days(72 hours) as need.
  2. Promethazine 25 mg  for adults or 12.5 to 25 mg for children, taken 30 to 60 minutes before travel, then every 12 hours as needed
  3. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) 50-100mg PO/IM/IV q4-6h; Max 8 tabs/day; info: Give 0.5-1h before activity
  4. Meclizine 25-50mg po q24h; Start 1hr before travel.

 

Scopolamine patch is the most effective. Promethazine is moderately effective. Dimenhydrinate and Meclizine are the least effective.

Further Reading / References

Am Fam Physician. 2014 Jul 1;90(1):41-46. Prevention and Treatment of Motion Sickness.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25077501

print