travel sickness medicine for toddlers uk

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Hyoscine for travel sickness

Joy rides, kwells, scopoderm.

Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani Last updated by Michael Stewart, MRPharmS Last updated 21 Nov 2022

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

Follow the dosage directions on the label or pack. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

If you are taking tablets, take a dose about 30 minutes before you travel.

If you have been prescribed a patch, apply it to the skin behind your ear 5-6 hours before your journey starts.

Hyoscine may make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.

In this article :

About hyoscine, before taking hyoscine, how to use hyoscine, getting the most from your treatment, can hyoscine cause problems, how to store hyoscine, important information about all medicines.

Continue reading below

Hyoscine is an effective medicine for travel sickness . It works by preventing the confusing messages going to your brain.

There are a number of different brands of tablet available which contain hyoscine as a salt, called hyoscine hydrobromide. You can buy these without a prescription at pharmacies. There are two strengths of tablets available: 300 microgram tablets for adults, and 150 microgram tablets for children. The dose for younger children will require halving a tablet.

There is also a product called Scopoderm® 1.5 mg patch. This is a patch for people aged 10 years or over. You stick the patch on to the skin behind your ear 5-6 hours before your journey, and then remove it at the end of the journey. The patch releases hyoscine through your skin and into your bloodstream.

One of the other effects of hyoscine is that it causes a dry mouth. It is sometimes prescribed by doctors for this reason, rather than to prevent travel sickness.

There is also a similar-sounding medicine called hyoscine butylbromide. This is an antispasmodic medicine which is used to relieve pain caused by tummy (abdominal) cramps. There is more information about this in a separate medicine leaflet called Hyoscine butylbromide tablets .

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you (or your child) start taking hyoscine, it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are unwell and have a high temperature (fever).

If you have digestive system problems such as reflux disease, diarrhoea, or ulcerative colitis.

If you have an eye condition called glaucoma.

If you have high blood pressure, a fast heart rate, or any other heart problems.

If you have problems with your liver, kidneys or prostate gland.

If you have epilepsy.

If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.

If you have Down's syndrome.

If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about hyoscine, including a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

Recommended doses are as follows:

For adults and children over 10 years of age: 150-300 micrograms.

For those aged 4-10 years: 75-150 micrograms.

For those aged 3-4 years: 75 micrograms.

You should take a dose of tablets 30-60 minutes before the start of the journey, and then repeat the dose after six hours if needed. There is a maximum number of tablets that can be taken in any 24-hour period, so remember to check the directions on the label carefully to make sure that you (or your child) do not take more than the recommended daily amount.

Read the label on the pack carefully to see whether the tablets should be sucked or chewed, or simply swallowed with a drink of water.

If you have been prescribed Scopoderm® 1.5 mg patches:

Stick one patch to the skin just behind your ear 5-6 hours before the start of your journey and remember to remove it after your arrival.

The effect of the patch can last up to 72 hours, so it is suitable for people taking long journeys.

Once removed, fold the patch in half so it sticks together and dispose of it carefully.

Remember to wash your hands after handling the patches, and also it is important to clean behind your ear after you have removed the patch. This is to make sure you remove any remaining traces of hyoscine from your skin.

Do not apply more than one patch at a time and do not cut the patches unless your doctor or a pharmacist tells you to.

Hyoscine can make you sleepy, and if you are using the patches, you may still feel sleepy the following day. If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines until you feel well again. Also, avoid drinking alcohol, as this will increase the feelings of sleepiness.

When you buy any medicines, you should always check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside your other medicines. This is particularly important with hyoscine because it can increase the side-effects from some other treatments.

Other things which can help to prevent travel sickness are:

Looking out of a window or sitting with your head tilted slightly backwards.

Taking regular breaks in your journey to have some fresh air and drink some cold water.

Breathing deeply and slowly while you listen to music.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with hyoscine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: on rare occasions more serious side-effects can occur when using hyoscine hydrobromide patches (Scopoderm ® patches). This is more likely if using the patches in a way the manufacturer did not intend, for example cutting patches or using more than one patch. People using hyoscine patches, or their carers, should be alert for signs that the dose is too high. These can include: a high temperature (fever), difficulty passing urine, confusion, disorientation, seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), fits or convulsions, reduced consciousness and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, remove the patch(es) immediately and seek medical help.

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Never take more than the recommended dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Report side effects to a medicine or vaccine

If you experience side effects, you can report them online through the Yellow Card website .

Further reading and references

• Manufacturer's PIL, Kwells® Kids ; Dexcel Pharma Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2022.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Kwells® 300 microgram tablets ; Dexcel Pharma Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2022.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Joy-Rides® Tablets ; Teva UK Limited, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2020.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Scopoderm® 1.5 mg Patch ; GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2021.
• Medicines Complete BNF 87th Edition ; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 20 Nov 2025

21 nov 2022 | latest version.

Last updated by

Peer reviewed by

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What to do if your child suffers from travel sickness

Travel sickness can be a debilitating condition to suffer from and is actually more common in children aged 3 to 12 years old . Trying to help a small child when they are feeling ill in the car can seem overwhelming, especially if you often have to do longer journeys with me. Don’t worry, we have some great tips and insights into things that really work when your toddler has motion sickness.

What is travel sickness?

A lot of you may already know the main symptoms of travel sickness for your child, however, it can never hurt to have another look or it may be that your child has one of the more rare symptoms that you hadn’t realised. Every child is different so they may not experience all the symptoms, and the severity of symptoms may be different each time.

Travel sickness is more accurately called motion sickness as it is a direct result of being in motion- usually occurring when you are travelling in cars, trains, buses, boats etc.

• Vomiting and nausea
• Cold sweats
• Increased saliva
• Drowsiness and extreme tiredness
• Rapid breathing

Why does travel sickness occur?

Motion sickness occurs when there is a disparity between what your eyes can see and what your inner ears (that help with balance) can sense. So if you’re in car then your eyes are saying that you’re moving at a high speed but your inner ear is sensing that you are sat down which results in the confusion. Some people are clearly more susceptible to the effects of this disparity and it results in some of the symptoms above.

How can I stop my child from getting travel sick?

Treating motion sickness as soon as you can (once you’ve ruled out any other causes for vomiting such as a tummy bug) is key as you don’t want your child to always associate being in the car with feeling really ill as they will start to dread going on car journeys making everyone’s life miserable.

One of the simplest and best tips is to make sure they have an uninterrupted view out of the front window. The easiest way to do this is having them either in the passenger seat or the middle of the back seat.

Try to remove anything that may be doing that involves looking at screens for a prolonged period of time, especially anything that involves reading. So no tablet, Kindle or book. A short DVD may still be OK but it’s probably best to try and go completely cold turkey with this as reading can very quickly bring on nausea. Replace this with music or an audio book to listen to- either using headphones or just in the car so that they don’t get bored.

Make sure you have a bit of air circulating around the car as hot, stuffy conditions can make everything feel a lot worse. Crack the window nearest to them a bit and encourage them to take big, deep breaths. Singing can help with the breathing and could distract them as well.

If the travel sickness is happening on a boat or plane advance book a central seat or cabin as this is were the least rocking or turbulence will be felt.

If you are planning a long journey, think about what food you give your child before you leave as a heavy or greasy meal can make the symptoms worse.

Be prepared for travel sickness, a good tip I read was to use plastic sealable bags (like ziploc foodbags) as sickbags so that the smell (along with the vomit….) can be contained for the rest of the journey. Make sure you have a good supply!

Give ginger a go- there is some evidence to suggest that taking ginger can lessen nausea and I have certainly heard anecdotal evidence of this working for other types of nausea such as period pain.

Acupressure bands are also suggested and I can remember friends wearing these when we were on school trips to help stop travel sickness.

Update: Extra tip!

Recommended in the comments is an app called Nevasic which I’d never come across so I’ve taken a look. It is audio that you play when starting to feel the effects of nausea and has been empirically verified for pregnancy sickness as well as motion sickness.

Interestingly, the clinical study carried out by Imperial College School of Medicine which found a significant reduction in nausea when using the app, also investigated controlling breathing. This was also found to be effective in reducing the feelings of sickness. Less useful for younger kids but could be worth trying for older kids.

If none of these remedies seems to be working or symptoms are severe and ongoing even on short car journeys then a trip to your GP or local pharmacist is in order. They can recommend or prescribe medicine designed specifically to target the symptoms of travel sickness.

Kids and travel sickness: final thoughts

I really hope this post has thrown up (oops, pun not intended!) some new tips and ideas to try with your children to stop the travel sickness. If you have any tried and tested tips of your own or just want to share your story then leave a comment below.

Reader Interactions

19th December 2017 at 9:20 am

Try the nevasic app, drug free, developed for travel sickness and proven safe and to work in a clinical trial run by Westminster College of Medicine London.

19th December 2017 at 1:09 pm

Thanks for the recommendation Dave, will take a look and add it to the tips.

28th January 2018 at 3:32 pm

Some great tips for travelling with travel sickness, thanks for linking up to #fortheloveofBLOG

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Why is my toddler travel sick?

• Time your journey carefully. Travel sickness is less likely during sleep as your child’s brain is not being stimulated by what she sees around her. Once the journey has actually started and your child begins to feel ill, she may be less likely to go to sleep.
• If possible, try putting your child to bed before you start your journey and transfer your sleepy toddler into her car seat without (hopefully) waking her up. Or try coinciding your journey with nap or sleep time. Some toddlers fall asleep the minute they hit the road!
• Try not to give your toddler a full meal just before travelling. If she vomits, give her small sips of water. Dry crackers can be useful for older toddlers.
• Keep the car cool and well-ventilated and don’t overdress your child in her car seat.
• Try not to distract your toddler with toys or books, as these can make travel sickness symptoms worse. If your toddler is older, encourage her to focus forwards on long-distance objects like lorries, tractors or trees by playing “I spy…” games.
• Put a sun-shade on the window on your child’s side of the car to help her look forward and to protect her from the heat of the sun.
• Avoid any strong smells in the car. Don’t wear strong perfume or use overpowering air-fresheners.
• Don't smoke in the car with your toddler, even with the windows open. Not only would this expose him to the dangerous chemicals in cigarettes, it could also make travel sickness worse. In fact, it's illegal to smoke in a car with anyone under 18 present.
• Make sure your child’s head is well-supported in her car seat to prevent her from moving her head too much.
• Toddlers of all ages respond to music. If it is something she’s familiar with, it’s more likely to distract her from feeling ill. Try putting on a well-loved CD of nursery rhymes or sing a few favourites.
• If you think your toddler is going to be sick, take a couple of towels with you on your journey. Put one over your toddler and another over the car seat before you strap her in. Have a spare set of clothing packed just in case and bring some plastic bags for soggy towels and clothes, as well as some baby wipes to freshen up.
• Anti-sickness medications containing hyoscine can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacist, for children who are two and over. Research studies have shown these to be very effective. Other remedies such as ginger preparations and acupressure bands can be popular. However these have not been medically proven to work.
• Resist the temptation to stop travelling, as research among adults in America has shown that the symptoms do reduce after frequent exposure to travelling. The majority of children do grow out of travel sickness and as your child gets older she can tell you when she begins to feel queasy. So until then, stay calm, be well prepared for each journey and remember that travelling with your toddler gives her a whole wealth of experiences and opportunities, which she’ll remember for the rest of her life.

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How To Help Toddlers With Car Sickness

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Looking for a cure to toddlers with car sickness ? We feel your pain!

And we’ve cleaned the seats to prove it… 🤢

Motion sickness symptoms vary from person to person, but when your child is unable to communicate their symptoms, dealing with it can become a nightmare. Whether your planned car trip takes twenty minutes or four hours, no parent wants their toddler to start feeling ill on the journey. 

A few roadblocks commonly stand between parents and treating their toddlers with carsickness; in this guide, we’ll explore how to recognise the symptoms, treat, and prevent motion sickness. 

Non-prescription medication

How long does motion sickness last in toddlers, final thoughts, common causes of motion sickness.

When you’re sitting in a car, your body is stationary. You’re not doing any of the work to move, but your eyes are receiving entirely different signals — according to your eyes and inner ear, you’re moving quickly. Motion sickness occurs because of the confusion that happens in your brain and the mixed signals it is trying to interpret. 

The most important body part involved in all of this is the inner ear. When your inner ear is trying to understand how to balance you, the movement you are experiencing without actually moving causes the wires to get crossed in your brain and can lead to that queasy feeling. 

What Are The Signs of Toddlers With Car Sickness?

If you’ve taken your young child on a plane ride or a long car journey , they might have experienced motion sickness.

Common symptoms include:

• Upset stomach and queasiness

Your toddler might not be able to explain how they are feeling. They’re likely to show it by crying, becoming restless, and they might turn pale. They could also start to yawn if they’re feeling fatigued.

And, of course, stay alert for any vomiting in the back seat.

How to Prevent Car Sickness in Toddlers

If your toddler suffers from motion sickness during car trips, be prepared by following these top tips.

Be aware of what they eat

If your child ever vomits or has an upset stomach when travelling, take care with what you feed them before and during the journey.

A small, light snack such as plain crackers and a sip of water is perfect. Avoid anything too heavy or greasy.

We’ve all been tempted to stuff our toddlers with sweet treats to keep them amused on a long journey, but all that sugar can easily trigger a vomiting episode if they’re suddenly accosted with motion sicknesses.

Check the temperature & provide air ventilation

One of the easiest ways to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness is to provide fresh air. Open the windows or use the air blowers in the car as soon as your toddler starts to display signs of motion sickness.

Alternatively, use a cool cloth to bring their temperature down if they’re feeling hot. Dress your child for the weather too — layers of light clothing are best for travelling.

Reduce sensory input

Looking at a fixed point outside the vehicle can often help. Encourage your youngster to look out of the window rather than playing with toys or looking at a book.

It’s quite common for children to start to feel sick when they are watching a video or reading during travel, and the symptoms are often eased when they stop.

Seat placement

Related to the above, if possible, it’s a good idea to let travel sick toddlers sit in the middle seat, so they have a clear view out of the window ahead.

If your toddler is sitting in a rear-facing seat, it might be time to consider turning their seat around if they’re badly afflicted with car sickness. Facing against the direction of travel can sometimes make motion sickness symptoms worse.

Remember, toddlers should always travel in the back of the car for safety.

Offer distractions

If your child starts feeling sick, distracting them by offering to play games like I-Spy or playing music might be enough to help. It will take their mind off their feelings of queasiness (and make the journey more fun, too!).

Stop regularly

Break up a long car trip with frequent breaks to allow your toddler the chance to get some fresh air and stretch their legs. This will help reduce boredom too — a win-win!

Travel bands

Acupressure bands are popular among many parents, although it’s important to note that they have not been proven to work. However, there’s no harm in trying them if you have a youngster who is frequently affected by motion sickness. Sometimes the placebo effect is enough to take the edge off!

Hyoscine is available to toddlers aged 2 years and above, and is thought to be highly effective. Consult with your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure about the suitability of certain medications.

It’s worth trying the above options first, and consider medication as a last resort.

Toddler Car Sickness FAQs

What can you give a 2-year-old for motion sickness.

There are medications suitable for 2-year-olds suffering from travel sickness – hyoscine and dramamine are popular medicated options, whereas acupressure bands and ginger are great non-medicinal alternatives to try.

What can I give my 1-year-old for car sickness?

There aren’t any medications suitable for this age group, but plenty of the suggestions above can help. Try to avoid giving your baby a big feed shortly before car or plane rides. Instead, give them a few sips to prevent dehydration and plan bigger feeds for earlier or later in the day.

Is it normal for toddlers to get car sick?

It’s more common for slightly older children to suffer from travel sickness — it’s especially common in those aged 6-12. However, it can and does affect toddlers and even babies.

Thankfully, motion sickness symptoms ease off quickly once the journey has ended. Expect your child to be back to their usual happy self within a couple of hours.

Motion sickness can be stressful for both parents and toddlers and can spoil a holiday before you even arrive.

Thankfully, it’s quite easy to prevent with or without medication. Something as simple as opening the windows and taking away toys and games can often be enough to ease the symptoms of car sickness and ensure the family has an enjoyable journey!

AUTHOR PROFILE

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Nausea and labyrinth disorders

Drug treatment.

Antiemetics are generally only prescribed when the cause of vomiting is known because otherwise, they may delay diagnosis, particularly in children. If antiemetic drug treatment is indicated, the drug is chosen according to the aetiology of vomiting.

Antihistamines (e.g. cinnarizine , cyclizine , promethazine hydrochloride , promethazine teoclate ) are effective against nausea and vomiting resulting from many underlying conditions. The duration of action and incidence of adverse effects, such as drowsiness and antimuscarinic effects, differ between antihistamines.

The phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine hydrochloride , prochlorperazine , trifluoperazine ) are dopamine antagonists and act centrally by blocking the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Severe dystonic reactions sometimes occur with phenothiazines, especially in children. Prochlorperazine is less sedating and available as a buccal tablet for children aged 12 years and over, which can be useful in patients with persistent vomiting or with severe nausea.

Other antipsychotic drugs including haloperidol [unlicensed use] and levomepromazine are used for the relief of nausea and vomiting in palliative care. A Strength of recommendation: High For information on the use of antiemetics in palliative care, see Prescribing in palliative care .

Metoclopramide hydrochloride is an effective antiemetic and its activity closely resembles that of the phenothiazines. Metoclopramide hydrochloride also acts directly on the gastric smooth muscle stimulating gastric emptying and it may be superior to the phenothiazines for emesis associated with gastro-intestinal and biliary disease. It is licensed for use in children only as a second-line option for the prevention of delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and the treatment of established postoperative nausea and vomiting. There is an increased risk of neurological side-effects in children.

Domperidone acts at the chemoreceptor trigger zone. It has the advantage over metoclopramide hydrochloride and the phenothiazines of being less likely to cause central effects, such as sedation and dystonic reactions, because it does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier.

The 5HT 3 -receptor antagonists, granisetron and ondansetron , are used in the management of nausea and vomiting in children receiving cytotoxics. A Strength of recommendation: High

Dexamethasone has antiemetic effects and is used in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. A Strength of recommendation: High

The neurokinin 1-receptor antagonist, aprepitant , is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. It is usually given in combination with a 5HT 3 -receptor antagonist (with or without a corticosteroid). A Strength of recommendation: High For further information on the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, see Cytotoxic drugs .

Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid with antiemetic properties. There is limited evidence for nabilone use in children for nausea and vomiting caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy unresponsive to conventional antiemetics.

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy is common and will usually resolve spontaneously within 16 to 20 weeks. For pregnant females who have nausea and vomiting, offer appropriate self-care advice (such as rest, oral hydration and dietary changes), and inform them about other available support (e.g. self-help information and support groups) and when to seek urgent medical advice. Take into consideration that a number of interventions may have already been tried. Antiemetics should be considered for females with persistent symptoms where self-care measures have been ineffective. If a non-pharmacological option is preferred, ginger may be helpful for mild to moderate nausea. A Strength of recommendation: High

For females who choose pharmacological treatment, offer an antiemetic considering the advantages and disadvantages of each drug, as well as patient preference, and their experience with treatments in previous pregnancies. Although few drug options are specifically licensed for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, their use is established practice. Antiemetic options include: cyclizine , prochlorperazine , promethazine hydrochloride , promethazine teoclate , and ondansetron . For further information on antiemetic options, see NICE guideline: Antenatal care (available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng201 ). Assess response to treatment after 24 hours; if the response is inadequate, switch to an antiemetic from a different therapeutic class. Reassess after 24 hours and if symptoms have not settled, specialist opinion should be sought. For females who have moderate to severe nausea and vomiting, consider intravenous fluids and adjunctive treatment with acupressure. A Strength of recommendation: High

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a more serious condition, which requires regular antiemetic therapy, intravenous fluid and electrolyte replacement, and sometimes nutritional support. For females with severe or persistent hyperemesis gravidarum, antiemetics given by the parenteral or rectal routes may be more suitable than the oral route. Supplementation with thiamine must be considered in order to reduce the risk of Wernicke’s encephalopathy. A Strength of recommendation: High

Postoperative nausea and vomiting

The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting depends on many factors including the anaesthetic used, and the type and duration of surgery. Other risk factors include post-pubertal female sex, over 3 years of age, a history or family history of postoperative nausea and vomiting or motion sickness, and postoperative use of long-acting opioids. Therapy to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting should be based on the assessed risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting in each patient. A combination of antiemetic drugs that have different mechanisms of action is often indicated in those at moderate and high risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting. When a prophylactic antiemetic drug has failed, postoperative nausea and vomiting should be treated with an antiemetic drug from a different therapeutic class. A Strength of recommendation: High

Drugs used include 5HT 3 -receptor antagonists (e.g. ondansetron ), dexamethasone, and droperidol . A Strength of recommendation: High Cyclizine is licensed for the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting caused by opioids and general anaesthetics. Prochlorperazine is licensed for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting.

Opioid-induced nausea and vomiting

Expert sources advise that cyclizine , ondansetron, and prochlorperazine are used to relieve opioid-induced nausea and vomiting; ondansetron has the advantage of not producing sedation.

Motion sickness

Antiemetics should be given to prevent motion sickness rather than after nausea or vomiting develop. Hyoscine hydrobromide is licensed to prevent motion sickness symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. For children aged 10 years and over, a transdermal hyoscine patch provides prolonged activity but it needs to be applied several hours before travelling. Antihistamine drugs may also be effective; the less sedating antihistamines include cinnarizine and cyclizine , and the more sedating antihistamines include promethazine hydrochloride and promethazine teoclate . Domperidone, metoclopramide hydrochloride, 5HT 3 -receptor antagonists, and the phenothiazines (except promethazine—an antihistamine phenothiazine) are ineffective in motion sickness.

Nausea and vomiting associated with migraine

For information on the use of antiemetics in migraine attacks, see Migraine .

Related drugs

• Chlorpromazine hydrochloride
• Cinnarizine
• Domperidone
• Granisetron
• Haloperidol
• Hyoscine hydrobromide
• Levomepromazine
• Metoclopramide hydrochloride
• Ondansetron
• Prochlorperazine
• Promethazine hydrochloride
• Promethazine teoclate
• Trifluoperazine

Related treatment summaries

• Cytotoxic drugs

The content on the NICE BNFC site (BNFC) is the copyright of BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, and RCPCH Publications Ltd. By using BNFC, you agree to the licence set out in the BNF Publications End User Licence Agreement .

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Best remedies for travel sickness, tried and tested 2024

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It’s human nature to fantasise about upcoming holidays on grey days in the office. 

Yet if a destination requires hours of travel to reach, travel sickness sufferers face a conundrum. Endure gut-wrenching nausea or ditch the hols altogether? 

If you are prepared to combat motion sickness, the answer is neither. According to the Centers for Disease and Control : “Motion sickness happens when the movement you see is different from what your inner ear senses. This can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.” 

Travel sickness can occur on any mode of transport: in the car on a train, plane or boat. Unless you plan to swim to your sun-soaked vacay destination, it’s best to be prepared. 

To avoid experiencing car sickness before your journey, there are some precautionary steps to take.

How to minimise travel sickness

• Sit in the front of a car or bus
• Choose a window seat on flights and trains
• Lying down, shutting your eyes, sleeping, or looking at the horizon
• Staying hydrated and limiting alcoholic and caffeinated beverages
• Eating small amounts of food frequently
• Avoid smoking
• Distract yourself by listening to music but avoid screen time
• Sucking on flavoured lozenges such as ginger candy.

For those struggling with severe travel sickness, speak to a healthcare professional about prescription solutions. For milder but no less distressing sickness, we consulted two medical experts.

Dr Reval Sukkhu and nurse Helen Chetwynd from HCA Healthcare UK suggest three key treatments for travel sickness: “Firstly, travel bands . While their efficacy is unclear, the theory is based on something akin to acupuncture. Travel bands apply pressure to certain point on the wrist. Despite lack of empirical evidence, some people find them helpful. They are suitable for people over the age of 12."

"Secondly, antihistamines. There are oral tablets available over the counter in the UK such as Cinnarizine (brand name, Sturgeron) or Promethazine Teoclate. Individuals should speak to a pharmacist to see what is most suitable for them, as this type of medication can make you drowsy."

"Finally, Hyoscine Hydrobromide. It is thought to work by affecting the inner ear and neurological system to control vomiting. It is available in the form of tablets such as Kwells, Joy-Rides and Travel Calm or patches.”

Discover the best anti-sickness remedies to take before and during travel and jet off with peace of mind this summer. 

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Kwells 300 Microgram Tablets - 12 tablets

Stop feelings of sickness quickly by popping a Kwells. The tablets feature sickness-subsiding Hyoscine Hydrobromide which restore a sense of stability. The melt-in-your-mouth tablets are suitable for adults and children aged 10 years and over.

Sea-Band’s wristbands feature a plastic stud in each band that exerts pressure onto the wrist. This helps alleviate sickness during long and short periods of travel. Slip yours on and let the single piece work its magic. 

Stugeron - 15 Tablets

If your kids struggle with travel sickness, Sturgeron’s tablets could be a winning choice. The pills can be given to those over the age of five, making them relatively a child-friendly option. Formed from Cinnarizine, the tablets are easy to take and affordable.

Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy

Aesop’s Ginger Flight Therapy is a travel-sized roll-on enhanced with ginger root, lavender and geranium oils. Designed for your pulse points, the portable item can be applied to the temples, wrists, neck and stomach when stress or nausea arises.

Puressentiel SOS Travel Sickness Roller with 7 Essential Oils 5ml

A highly useful product that acts as a balancer and harmoniser of the nervous system, the Puressentiel SOS Travel Sickness Roller features seven stimulating essential oils to help ease and prevent travel sickness. Inhale soothing notes of the roller and relax without a hint of nausea.

Bach Rescue Remedy

Rescue Remedy is a classic. Pop four drops onto your tongue when the nerves start to set in and let the comforting flower essences work their magic. There’s no need for additional water or faff, so you can drift off with total ease.

Sea-Band Nausea Relief Ginger Capsules for Travel Sickness Relief

Opt for a natural remedy and add Sea-Band’s nausea relief to your pre-holiday shopping basket. The capsules are a non-drowsy remedy for the clinically proven prevention and relief of travel and motion sickness. Each capsule contains 250mg of ginger sourced from natural ginger root that helps support digestive health and soothes the stomach.

MQ Motion Sickness Patch for Car and Boat Rides

Apply this 100 per cent natural patch behind your earlobe and let it do all the work for you. Attach 10 minutes before your time of travel and enjoy long-lasting effects for one to three days. Unsuitable for pregnant women. 

Teapigs Sweet Ginger Tea Made With Whole Herbs

Sweet-toothed tea sippers will adore Teapigs' ginger remedy. A fiery blend of anti-nausea ginger, liquorice roots and cinnamon ease digestion, while offering a gentle pick-me-up during the day.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with MagSafe Charging Case 2022

The Apple AirPods Pros are a game changer. With complete noise-cancelling effects, a smooth, sleek design and adaptive transparency to tune in and out of background noise, these earbuds are a worthwhile investment.

Adjust the volume via the high-tech touch controls and dive right into your stress-free, in-flight entertainment, knowing the product’s six hour battery will have you covered through your short haul flight and beyond. To avoid sickness, keep screen time limited during use.

Who can and cannot take hyoscine hydrobromide - Brand names: Kwells, Joy-Rides, Kwells Kids, Travel Calm, Scopoderm

Who can take hyoscine hydrobromide.

Hyoscine hydrobromide travel sickness tablets can be taken by most adults and children from the age of 3 years.

Patches for travel sickness can be used by most adults and children from the age of 10 years.

Who may not be able to take hyoscine hydrobromide

Hyoscine hydrobromide is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to hyoscine hydrobromide or any other medicine
• have an eye problem called primary angle closure glaucoma
• have difficulty peeing or a bowel blockage
• have myasthenia gravis , a condition that causes muscle weakness
• have heart problems, including a very fast heart rate
• have thyroid, kidney or liver problems
• have epilepsy (seizures)
• have digestive problems, such as acid reflux or severe constipation
• have ulcerative colitis
• have a high temperature
• are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, as hyoscine hydrobromide is not recommended in pregnancy

Page last reviewed: 5 October 2022 Next review due: 5 October 2025

Dramamine® For Kids

Dramamine® for Kids is the only medicated motion sickness relief product formulated just for children ages 2-12 from the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Brand.

● Treats symptoms on the spot ● Prevents nausea, dizziness, vomiting & queasiness ● Safe, precise dose in a fun, chewable grape flavor ● Convenient travel case

Available in an 8-count box.

To prevent motion sickness, the first dose should be taken 1/2 to 1 hour before starting activity.

To prevent or treat motion sickness, see below:

• Children 2 to under 6 years: give ½ to 1 chewable tablet every 6-8 hours; do not give more than 3 chewable tablets in 24 hours, or as directed by a doctor
• Children 6 to under 12 years: give 1 to 2 chewable tablets every 6-8 hours; do not give more than 6 chewable tablets in 24 hours, or as directed by a doctor

Other information

• Phenylketonurics: contains phenylalanine 0.375 mg per tablet
• Store at room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)

Ingredients

Active Ingredient (in each tablet)

Ingredient: Dimenhydrinate 25mg Purpose: Antiemetic     

Inactive Ingredients Aspartame, citric acid, flavor, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acide copolymer, sorbitol

Do not use  for children under 2 years of age unless directed by a doctor

Ask a doctor before use if the child has:

• A breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis

Ask a doctor or a pharmacist before use if the child is  taking sedatives or tranquilizers.

When using this product:

• Marked drowsiness may occur
• Avoid alcoholic drinks
• Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
• Be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery

If pregnant or breast-feeding,  ask a doctor before use.

Keep out of reach of children.  In case of accidental overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.

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How to Travel With Medication Needed for a Sick Child

When traveling with medication for a sick child, be aware of these potentially complicating factors

• Travel Tips
• Medical Kits
• Who Shouldn't Fly
• Can Airlines Refuse?

Traveling with a sick child is often manageable with the right preparations. But if your child has or is suspected to have a serious contagious illness, like whooping cough or COVID-19, or poses a health risk to others, you will need to delay your trip until your child's condition is stabilized.

Many world destinations prohibit medications, like Adderall , that are commonly used by children in the United States. Certain medications, like insulin pens and epipens, usually need to be declared, since needles are prohibited on planes. Before you leave, research your destination carefully to ensure you are compliant.

This article explains what medicines you can and cannot take when traveling. It also provides a handful of tips for navigating airports and country-specific regulations.

Tips for Traveling With a Sick Child

Whether you are traveling by land, sea, or plane, the key to navigating travel with a sick child is getting (and staying) organized.

It's a good idea to keep all medications and supplies in a separate, clear "medical kit," so that they are easy to find and can be quickly retrieved when you need them.

The following tips and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommendations can help you organize your medical kit and prepare for your journey with a sick child.

Organizing Medications

Although medications can be packed in checked or carry-on luggage, it's best to bring them in your carry-on. That way, they will be available if you need them on the plane or in the airport.

While organizing your medical kit, consider including:

• Solid medications (such as pills or oral powders), which are permitted in carry-on or checked luggage in unlimited quantities, but will need to be Xd-rayed at the security checkpoint
• Extra medications in case your trip is extended or your medications get lost

TSA does not require passengers to bring medications in prescription bottles, so you can bring them in a pill organizer if you like. Laws vary between states and countries regarding prescription labeling, though. Check with the embassy at your destination to learn the respective laws.

Preparing Liquids and Other Types of Medications

Liquid medications are allowed in carry-on or checked bags, but you will need to follow a few regulations when flying with them:

• Medically necessary liquid medications can be brought in your carry-on or checked luggage in reasonable quantities. Tell an officer that you have a medically necessary liquid before starting the screening process. You may be asked to open the liquid medication for additional screening.
• Insulin is allowed in carry-on or checked luggage in reasonable quantities. At the security checkpoint, place insulin in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
• Nebulizers are allowed in carry-on bags but must be removed from the carrying case and X-rayed at the security checkpoint. Liquids associated with nebulizers are permitted in reasonable quantities.

As for injectables, inhalers, pumps, and aerosols:

• EpiPens can be packed in carry-on or checked luggage in reasonable quantities but must be declared to TSA officers at the security checkpoint for inspections.
• Insulin pumps are permitted in carry-on or checked luggage but must be accompanied by insulin. Tell TSA officers if you have diabetes and are wearing an insulin pump at the start of security screening.
• Medically necessary aerosols , such as metered-dose inhalers , are allowed in carry-on or checked bags in reasonable quantities but must be presented to TSA officers at the security checkpoint.
• Glucose monitors with metal or lithium batteries should be carried in carry-on luggage and should be presented to TSA officers at the security checkpoint.
• Inhalers are permitted in carry-on or checked luggage in reasonable quantities but will need to be X-rayed at the security checkpoint.

Federal regulations prohibit passengers from bringing their own supplemental oxygen onto airplanes. If you or your child require supplemental oxygen, you will need to call the airline at least 72 hours before your flight to arrange in-flight supplemental oxygen.

If you do not want a medical item to be X-rayed, you may request a visual inspection instead. Make this request before sending your items through the X-ray tunnel.

Not Sure if You Can Bring It?

Use the TSA "What Can I Bring?" website to find specific instructions related to most medications and medical supplies. This website provides instructions for external medical devices (such as feeding tubes), mercury thermometers, personal oxygen, syringes, and more.

Readying a "Back-Up" Plan

Plan where you will go for medical attention if needed. Write important numbers and addresses down and keep them in your medical kit.

Is there a children's hospital, pediatrician, or clinic where you are staying or on your travel route? This is especially important for international travelers and when you are on a cruise.

Even facilities that promote family travel and provide licensed healthcare providers for sick travelers are not guaranteed to have a pediatrician available in case of severe illness. 

The nearest children's hospital or local medical society may be able to help you find a pediatrician if you are traveling and your child gets sick.

When traveling in another country, an international clinic , your travel agency, the U.S. Embassy, or the U.S. Consulate may be able to help you locate a pediatrician.​

If your child has a chronic medical problem, consider acquiring a medical alert bracelet for them to wear, just in case they get sick and you aren't around. This is especially important if your child has severe allergies, diabetes, seizures, or another condition that may require sudden and specific medical care.

Informing Your Healthcare Provider

Before leaving, schedule a checkup with a pediatrician and/or pediatric specialist to ensure your child's medical problems are stable.

Be transparent about your plans with the healthcare provider—they may be able to offer you some travel tips that are specific to your child's condition.

Depending on your destination, certain vaccinations may be recommended for you and/or your child to protect from disease. The CDC provides detailed information about recommended vaccines for every country in the world.

If you are traveling internationally, take some time to review the country-specific recommendations, and make a list of any vaccines your child does not have. It may help to bring this list to your provider's office in case you have questions.

Contacting Your Pharmacist for Refills

If you lose a prescription while traveling internationally, contact your healthcare provider and explain your situation. Your provider may be able to write you a new prescription that you can bring to a pharmacy near you. You can also visit a local urgent care to see if they can help.

If you are traveling within the United States, you can:

• Find a nearby pharmacy that is in-network with your insurance provider.
• Call or visit the pharmacy and explain your situation.
• Call your home pharmacy and ask them to transfer your medication to your pharmacy of choice.

In the past, in order to have your prescription transferred, you would need to contact your healthcare provider and ask them to cancel the prescription then re-submit it to a new pharmacy. According to regulations updated in 2023, however, all you need to do is contact your home pharmacy directly and ask them to initiate the switch.

There is one important caveat to the updated regulations. Prescriptions may only be transferred between pharmacies once . So, if you want to transfer a prescription back to your original pharmacy after your trip, you will need to have it canceled and re-submitted by your healthcare provider.

Complying with Laws and Regulations

Different states and countries have different laws regarding the types and quantities of medications that travelers are permitted to bring.

For example, France permits travelers to only bring the amount of medication needed for the duration of the trip. And, if the medication is a narcotic , a written letter to customs providing the name and dosage of the medication is required.

Meanwhile, countries like Japan, Singapore, and much of Europe have banned Adderall, Ritalin, and a number of other medications that are common in the United States.

Bringing controlled drugs into a foreign country can come with steep consequences, from local fines, to jail time and deportation. In Singapore, having as little as three grams of morphine can result in the death penalty.

TSA advises international travelers to prepare "requisite medical documentation" from their prescribing physician at least two months before departure. The documentation should include:

• The prescribing physician's contact information and/or credentials
• The diagnosis and treatment
• The medication regimen, including any need for needles or syringes

Additionally, the name on the prescription, container, and traveler's passport must match.

If a medication contains narcotics, you may need to submit an application to the country's Narcotics Control Division or Food and Drug Administration for permission prior to entry.

For psychotropic medications , including antidepressants, you may need to notify the medical officer at the embassy in your home country. Do this well in advance so that all appropriate parties are aware before you arrive at customs.

What Else Should Go in a Medical Kit?

Your medical kit should contain everything you need to manage your child's health condition, as well as other medical items your child may only need on occasion.

Things to include in a travel medicine kit might include:

• A pain and fever reducer, such as ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen
• A steroid cream for itching
• An antihistamine for hives and other allergic reactions
• A cough and cold medicine for older children
• An antibiotic ointment (in a container of 3.4 ounces or less—unless medically necessary)
• A regular first aid kit

Keep in mind that if you are bringing an aerosol medication in your carry-on, it must be medically necessary. Aerosol insecticides, for example, are permitted in checked luggage only.

Is My Child Too Sick to Fly?

Do not fly if you or your child has a contagious disease that poses a serious threat to other people, such as:

• Tuberculosis
• Rubella (German measles)
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Meningococcal disease (meningitis)
• Severe flu or another respiratory illness

If you or your child has a history of the following conditions, see your healthcare provider for an evaluation before you travel to ensure the condition is stable:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Lung disease
• Mental illness
• Recent surgery
• Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• Sickle cell disease

Travel is rarely contraindicated (advised against) during a normal pregnancy. However, it's best to delay travel if your pregnancy requires close medical supervision. Reasons not to travel when pregnant include:

• You are in active or premature labor
• You have a suspected ectopic pregnancy
• You have vaginal bleeding
• You have a history of preeclampsia

Cabin air pressure changes can lead to barotrauma , recognizable by pain in the ear during take-off. Although barotrauma is rarely dangerous, it can lead to dizziness, hearing loss, or permanent tinnitus. To reduce these risks, consult with a healthcare provide before travel if your child has:

• An ear, nose, or sinus infection
• Severe congestion
• Had recent ear, nose, throat, or abdominal surgery

Will the Airline Refuse My Sick Child?

You or your child may be denied boarding if you have or are suspected to have a serious contagious illness that poses a public health threat.

Airline officials will suspect contagious illness if you or your child has one or more of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent cough
• Decreased consciousness
• Sudden confusion
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Persistent diarrhea
• Persistent vomiting
• Headache with stiff neck
• Appearing obviously unwell
• Symptoms of other contagious diseases

Less than 1% of passengers are denied boarding in the United States each year. Nonetheless, airline officials are permitted to deny boarding or remove any person from a flight who appears obviously sick, or who is believed to pose a health threat to others.

Inform the airport security screener if your child has any special needs for going through security, or if they might get upset during the security procedures because of their medical condition.

Before you travel with a sick child, give yourself plenty of time to organize a medical bag with daily medications, medical supplies, and any other extras your child may need. Most medications are permitted in carry-on or checked luggage. However, if you plan to fly with a medication that is liquid, aerosol, or involves needles, you will need to declare it to TSA officers at the security checkpoint.

Depending on your destination, you may need to prepare medical documentation, especially if you need to travel with a narcotic or psychotropic drug. There can be steep consequences for bringing controlled substances into another country, so don't take chances. If you have questions about traveling with your medications, contact a physician or use resources provided by TSA to learn more.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Air travel .

Harvard Global Support Services. Tips for traveling with medication .

American Diabetes Association. What can I bring with me on the plane .

Transportation Security Administration. Can you pack your meds in a pill case and more questions answered .

Transportation Security Administration. What can I bring? .

Transportation Security Administration. Insulin .

United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Revised regulation allows DEA-registered pharmacies to transfer electronic prescriptions at a patient's request .

France in the United States. Information for private individuals - Medicine .

Transportation Security Administration. Traveling with medication .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Protecting travelers' health from airport to community: Investigating contagious diseases on flights .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnant travelers .

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing spread of disease on commercial aircraft: Guidance for cabin crew .

GAO. Airline consumer protections .

U.S. Department of Transportation. Bumping & oversales .

By Vincent Iannelli, MD  Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Iannelli has cared for children for more than 20 years. 

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

• Children's health

What causes car sickness in children and how can I prevent it?

Car sickness is a type of motion sickness. Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting information from the inner ears, eyes, and nerves in the joints and muscles.

Imagine a young child sitting low in the back seat of a car without being able to see out the window — or an older child reading a book in the car. The child's inner ear will sense motion, but his or her eyes and body won't. The result might be an upset stomach, cold sweat, fatigue, loss of appetite or vomiting.

It's not clear why car sickness affects some children more than others. While the problem doesn't seem to affect most infants and toddlers, children ages 2 to 12 are particularly susceptible.

To prevent car sickness in children, you might try the following strategies:

• Reduce sensory input. Encourage your child to look at things outside the car rather than focusing on books, games or screens. If your child naps, traveling during nap time might help.
• Carefully plan pre-trip meals. Don't give your child a large meal immediately before or during car travel. If the trip will be long or your child needs to eat, give him or her a small, bland snack — such as dry crackers and a small drink — before it's time to go.
• Provide air ventilation. Adequate air ventilation might help prevent car sickness.
• Offer distractions. If your child is prone to car sickness, try distracting him or her during car trips by talking, listening to music or singing songs.
• Use medication. If you're planning a car trip, ask your child's doctor about using an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), to prevent car sickness. Both medications work best if taken about an hour before traveling. Read the product label carefully to determine the correct dose and be prepared for possible side effects, such as drowsiness. Nondrowsy antihistamines don't appear to be effective at treating motion sickness.

If your child starts to develop car sickness, stop the car as soon as possible and let your child get out and walk around or lie on his or her back for a few minutes with closed eyes. Placing a cool cloth on your child's forehead also might help.

If these tips don't help or if your child's car sickness makes travel difficult, talk to your child's doctor about other options.

Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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• Concussion in children
• Brunette GW, et al., eds. Motion sickness. In: CDC Yellow Book 2020: Health Information for International Travel. Oxford University Press; 2019. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/travel-by-air-land-sea/motion-sickness. Accessed Feb. 24, 2020.
• Motion sickness. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/motion-sickness/motion-sickness#. Accessed Feb. 24, 2020.
• Priesol AJ. Motion sickness. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 24, 2020.
• Altmann T, et al., eds. Head, neck, and nervous system. In: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. 7th ed. Bantam; 2019.

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Sharing health evidence you can trust

Treatments to prevent travel sickness: a quick look

In this short blog, Dr Robert Walton looks at the evidence on treatments to prevent travel sickness (motion sickness).

Take-home points

The new evidence on antihistamines comes from the Cochrane Review Antihistamines for motion sickness (published in October 2022) and is relevant to adults.

Travel sickness (motion sickness) is a common problem, and many people experience nausea for example on boats, planes or in the car. Lots of treatments which aim to prevent travel sickness are available to buy in UK pharmacies, including medicines. Here is the evidence on these medicines and some things you may want to think about when making your choices.

Making a choice? Think BRAIN!

It can be helpful to think BRAIN : What are the B enefits, R isks, A lternatives, what do I want and what if I do N othing? These can be good questions to talk about with a health professional when making a health decision.

Medicines to prevent travel sickness

The choice is between hyoscine (or scopolamine as it is sometimes called) and antihistamines such as cinnarizine.

Most of the Cochrane evidence Cochrane Reviews are systematic reviews. In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. is focused on hyoscine which is probably better than placebo An intervention that appears to be the same as that which is being assessed but does not have the active component. For example, a placebo could be a tablet made of sugar, compared with a tablet containing a medicine. (dummy treatment Something done with the aim of improving health or relieving suffering. For example, medicines, surgery, psychological and physical therapies, diet and exercise changes. ) at preventing travel sickness.  It comes from the Cochrane Review Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sicknes s (published June 2011).

The new Cochrane evidence about antihistamines, from the Cochrane Review Antihistamines for motion sickness (published October 2022) finds that they are likely to reduce the risk A way of expressing the chance of an event taking place, expressed as the number of events divided by the total number of observations or people. It can be stated as ‘the chance of falling were one in four’ (1/4 = 25%). This measure is good no matter the incidence of events i.e. common or infrequent. of travel sickness in adults who tend to get it, compared with taking a placebo.

It’s worth bearing in mind that there is evidence to support using older or ‘first generation’ antihistamines but none for the newer medicines such as loratadine and cetirizine which are more commonly used now for hay fever now.  These newer antihistamines are not used to prevent or treat motion sickness and are unlikely to be effective.

There are few studies comparing the two types of medicines.  There is little information about whether either are useful for treating motion sickness after it has started so prevention may be better than cure.

What are the risks?

Hyoscine and antihistamines both work in the same way for preventing travel sickness and they also share the same side effects which include drowsiness in some people.

What are the other options?

Many other options are available but there is no Cochrane evidence about their potential benefits and harms.

What do I want?

What matters (most) to you, and past experiences of a problem – and of treatments, is important when making treatment choices. If you usually get travel sickness and want to prevent it then there are medicines that can help and are backed up by Cochrane evidence. But it may be important to you to avoid the risk of side effects (such as drowsiness, if you have to drive for example). You could discuss your options and experience of treatments with a pharmacist.

What if I do nothing?

Travel sickness is usually not usually a big problem although some people can be quite severely affected.  If you have had it once in a particular situation then you are likely to get it again.

Find out more

NHS pages on motion sickness

The Cochrane Reviews Cochrane Reviews are systematic reviews. In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. :

Karrim N, Byrne R, Magula N, Saman Y. Antihistamines for motion sickness. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. 2022, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD012715. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012715.pub2.

Spinks A, Wasiak J. Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD002851. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002851.pub4.

Why you can trust this information

Join in the conversation on Twitter with  @CochraneUK   @rtwalton123  or leave a comment on the blog. 

Please note, we cannot give specific medical advice and do not publish comments that link to individual pages requesting donations or to commercial sites, or appear to endorse commercial products. We welcome diverse views and encourage discussion but we ask that comments are respectful and reserve the right to not publish any we consider offensive. Cochrane UK does not fact-check – or endorse – readers’ comments, including any treatments mentioned.

Robert Walton has nothing to disclose.

About Robert Walton

Robert Walton is a Cochrane UK Senior Fellow in General Practice. Robert qualified in medicine in London in 1983, having taken an intercalated degree in human pharmacology and immunology. He trained at St Georges Hospital, London and became a member of the Royal College of Physicians in 1986. His work applying computerised decision support to prescribing drugs in the Department of Public Health and Primary care in Oxford led to a doctoral thesis in 1998. Robert was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 1999 and the Royal College of Physicians in 2001. He became a Senior Investigator in the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in 2016. Robert is Clinical Professor of Primary Medical Care at Queen Mary and was joint lead of the NIHR Research Design Service east London team. His research interests are in primary care, genetics, clinical trials and personalised medicine. Robert led a five-year NIHR funded programme developing a novel training intervention to promote smoking cessation in pharmacies in east London which included a substantive Cochrane review and meta analysis on behaviour change interventions in community pharmacies and a large scale cluster-randomised clinical trial. His research team is also developing a smartphone game to promote smoking cessation and researching a personalised/stratified medicine approach to tobacco dependence using computerised decision support. He sat on the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research sub panel A and worked as an evaluator for the European Union Horizon 2020 programmes Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases and New Therapies for Rare Diseases and as a monitor for EU projects. Robert contributes to UK national guidance, and has served on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Outcome Indicator and Technology Appraisals Committees.

is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

1 Comments on this post

Dr. Walton, thank you for sharing your review. For children and those children with epilepsy, I have looked at their sensory processing to help prevent some of their motion sickness. There is a book “Understanding your Child’s Sensory Signals” by Angie Voss, OTR that helps families. I can also share with you my poster from the British Paediatric Neurology Association event in 2020 titled ” What are the perspectives and understanding of healthcare professionals including occupational therapists on treatment and care of babies with infantile spasms and early onset epilepsy- A qualitative design” if I have your email address.

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