Anti-Nausea Medication

Dr. Leonard Leng of ATA Medical Singapore.

Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng.
Last updated: Jan 9, 2025.

Nausea and vomiting are uncomfortable and often debilitating sensations that can arise from various causes. They can significantly disrupt your daily routine, making it difficult to focus on tasks or carry out regular activities, ultimately affecting your quality of life. Depending on the cause, anti-nausea medications, or antiemetics, can provide effective relief and help you regain a sense of normalcy.

Asian woman feeling nauseous, holding her stomach, with anti-nausea medicine and a glass of water on the table.

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.

Young Asian woman experiencing nausea, holding her stomach while sitting on a bed at home.

How Does Anti-Nausea Medicine Work?

Anti-nausea medicine works by targeting the body’s processes that trigger nausea and vomiting, and 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.

Young Singaporean man consulting a doctor for nausea and vomiting at a general practitioner clinic.

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 $38.15
Anti-Nausea Medications	From $0.27
Anti-Nausea Injection (for severe cases)	$16.35 per dose

*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

Where to Get Anti-Nausea Medication?

ATA Medical @ Orchard

Address: 1 Orchard Blvd, #05-09 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard Station (TE13)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: camden@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed

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ATA Medical @ Tanjong Pagar

Address: 72 Anson Rd, #01-02 Anson House, Singapore 079911
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar Station (EW15)
Contact Number: 6223 0682
Email: hi@atamed.sg
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Sun & PH: Closed

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ATA Medical (Anson House)

Nearest MRT: EW15 Tanjong Pagar

ATA Medical (Camden Medical Centre)

Nearest MRT: TE13 Orchard Boulevard

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for nausea. The best anti-nausea medication depends on the cause, such as motion sickness, pregnancy, or a gastrointestinal condition. Common options include metoclopramide, domperidone, or ondansetron. It is best to consult a doctor to determine the most suitable medication for your condition.

Yes, certain anti-nausea medications, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) for motion sickness, are available over-the-counter. However, for more severe or persistent cases of nausea, prescription medications may be necessary. It’s important to consult a doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

No, Zofran (ondansetron) is a prescription-only medication. It is commonly prescribed for severe nausea caused by chemotherapy, surgery, or other medical treatments. It is best to consult a doctor who can assess your condition and determine the most suitable medication for your needs.

Metoclopramide, domperidone, and dimenhydrinate are common medications used to treat nausea. The choice of medication depends on the underlying cause, so consulting a doctor is advised.

To relieve nausea quickly, try sipping water or herbal tea, lying down in a quiet, comfortable environment, and reducing unnecessary movement. Over-the-counter medication may also help if appropriate. If nausea persists, consult a doctor for further assessment and treatment.

Dissolvable or orally disintegrating tablets, such as ondansetron (Zofran ODT), are designed for rapid absorption and are commonly prescribed for severe nausea. As this is a prescription medication, you will need to consult a doctor to determine if it is appropriate for your condition.

Stick to bland foods like crackers, rice, bananas, or dry toast, which are less likely to upset your stomach. Avoid greasy, spicy, or acidic foods. Ginger or peppermint tea may also help soothe nausea.

Yes, anti-nausea medications are typically effective for relieving nausea by targeting specific pathways in the body that cause the symptom. However, their effectiveness varies based on the underlying cause of nausea. It is important to consult a doctor to ensure proper treatment.

Scopolamine patches, commonly used for motion sickness, are a well-known example of long-acting anti-nausea medication. These patches can provide relief for up to 72 hours. For other causes of nausea, consult your doctor to determine the most suitable long-acting option for your needs.

Medications such as ondansetron, metoclopramide, or domperidone are commonly used to manage vomiting. The most effective treatment depends on the underlying cause, so it is advisable to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and appropriate medication.

The best medication depends on the cause of nausea. For motion sickness, dimenhydrinate or scopolamine may work well. For gastrointestinal issues, metoclopramide or domperidone are often used. Discussing your symptoms with a doctor is recommended to receive advice on the most suitable medication.

Persistent nausea may indicate an underlying issue, such as gastrointestinal disorders, hormonal changes, or even stress and anxiety. It is important to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause.

Common nausea medications in Singapore include metoclopramide, domperidone, dimenhydrinate, and ondansetron. The choice of medication depends on the cause of nausea, so consult your doctor for guidance.

Medications such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and scopolamine patches are commonly used to prevent or treat sea sickness. These are effective for motion-related nausea and can be obtained over-the-counter or with a prescription. Consulting a doctor before travelling is recommended to determine the most suitable medication for your health needs.

Common antiemetics include ondansetron, metoclopramide, domperidone, dimenhydrinate, and scopolamine. Each is tailored to specific causes of nausea, so it is important to consult a doctor to ensure the most appropriate treatment for your condition.