Anti-Nausea Medication
Last updated: Sep 27, 2026
Nausea and vomiting have many causes, and they can make it difficult to concentrate, eat or get through an ordinary day. Common triggers include travel and motion sickness, the side effects of other medicines, digestive conditions and pregnancy.
Anti-nausea medicines, known medically as antiemetics, can help relieve nausea and vomiting so you can return to your normal routine.
Common Triggers Nausea
Nausea can stem from various causes, each activating specific pathways in the body that lead to queasiness or the urge to vomit:
- Motion Sickness: A disconnect between the brain and inner ear stimulates the vestibular system, leading to nausea and sometimes vomiting.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as increased human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during pregnancy, or changes associated with menstruation, menopause, thyroid disorders, or hormonal medications, can trigger nausea and vomiting.
- Gastrointestinal Causes: Infections like gastroenteritis or food poisoning irritate the stomach and intestines, triggering nausea and vomiting as the body’s defence mechanism.
- Migraines: Disrupted brain activity during migraines can overstimulate the central nervous system, leading to nausea in some cases.
- Medications: Chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics can irritate the stomach or activate nausea pathways. Chemotherapy often causes severe nausea by releasing serotonin.
- Postoperative Recovery: Surgical procedures and anaesthesia can irritate the stomach and affect brain pathways, leading to postoperative nausea and vomiting.
How Does Anti-Nausea Medicine Work?
Anti-nausea medicine help by affecting the body's mechanisms that cause nausea and vomiting. Some common types include:
| Types of Medication | Mechanism of Action | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Antihistamines |
Block histamine receptors in
the brain, reducing the inner ear's sensitivity to motion and interrupting the brain
signals that trigger nausea.
Examples: Dimenhydrinate, Meclizine |
Motion sickness, vertigo |
| Dopamine Antagonists |
Block dopamine receptors in the brain’s
chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and improve digestive tract movement,
preventing buildup and bloating to relieve nausea.
Examples: Metoclopramide, Domperidone |
Postoperative nausea, gastrointestinal issues, motion sickness |
| Antimuscarinics |
Block acetylcholine receptors in the
vestibular system, reducing nerve signals to the brain that cause motion sickness.
Examples: Scopolamine |
Motion sickness, vertigo |
| Serotonin Receptor Antagonists |
Inhibit serotonin (a chemical that triggers
nausea) by blocking 5-HT3 receptors, particularly useful during chemotherapy or surgery.
Examples: Ondansetron, Granisetron |
Chemotherapy-induced nausea, postoperative nausea |
| Neurokinin-1 (NK1) Receptor Antagonists |
Block NK1 receptors in the brain, which play
a key role in triggering severe nausea, especially from chemotherapy.
Examples: Aprepitant, Fosaprepitant |
Chemotherapy-induced nausea |
When Should You See a Doctor for Nausea?
Nausea is often a symptom of an underlying issue, ranging from mild to serious. You should
see a doctor if nausea persists for more than a few days, becomes severe or prolonged, or is
accompanied by chest pain, severe headache, dizziness, or abdominal pain.
Frequent vomiting
leading to dehydration, unexplained weight loss, or nausea after a head injury also requires
medical attention. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking to avoid
potential drug interactions.
For nausea related to pregnancy, chemotherapy, or other ongoing treatments, seek
personalised advice from your doctor or specialist. Early evaluation and treatment of the
underlying cause are key to managing symptoms effectively.
Potential Side Effects of Anti-nausea Medication
Common side effects of anti-nausea medicines include
drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation or diarrhoea, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and blurred vision.
In rare cases, these medications can cause more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions,
high fever or chest or stomach. If you experience any serious side effects, seek medical attention
immediately.
Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of side effects, as there are many
types of anti-nausea medications, each with its own potential effects. Always consult your
doctor about any concerns regarding side effects before taking any medication.
Anti-Nausea Medication Price
At ATA Medical, we provide various anti-nausea medications depending on your condition and individual needs, as determined by our doctors’ assessment. Prices are as follows:
| Medication | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation | From $49.05 |
| Anti-Nausea Medications | From $0.27 |
| Anti-Nausea Injection (for severe cases) | $16.35 per dose |
^Prices last updated on Jan 28, 2026. While every effort is made to keep pricing information up to date, please contact our team to confirm the latest rates.
Where to Get Anti-Nausea Medication?
ATA Medical @ Tanjong Pagar
Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
Last appt: 5:15 PM (Mon–Fri), 12:15 PM (Sat)
ATA Medical @ Orchard
Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
Last appt: 5:15 PM (Mon–Fri), 12:15 PM (Sat)
ATA Medical @ Jurong
Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
Last appt: 5:15 PM (Mon–Fri), 12:15 PM (Sat)
ATA Medical @ Novena
Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed
Last appt: 5:15 PM (Mon–Fri), 12:15 PM (Sat)