Bismuth subsalicylate (2 brand names: Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol). It may help treat some types of nausea and vomiting, such as from gastroenteritis (stomach flu). It’s also used for upset stomach and as an antidiarrheal (medicine to treat diarrhea).

Antihistamines. Certain types may help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. These include dimenhydrinate (brand name: Dramamine) and meclizine hydrochloride (brand name: Dramamine Less Drowsy).

How do antiemetic medicines work?

Bismuth subsalicylate works by protecting the stomach lining.

Antihistamines appear to dull the inner ear’s ability to sense motion. They block messages to the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting. This is why they work best if you take them before you start feeling motion sickness.

How do I safely take OTC antiemetic medicines?

Before you take an OTC antiemetic medicine, read the directions on the drug facts label. This will tell you how much medicine to take and how often to take it. If you have any questions, call your family doctor or pharmacist. Keep a record of which OTC medicines you are using and when you take them. If you need to go to the doctor, take this list with you.

Follow these tips to make sure you are taking the right amount of medicine:

• Take only the amount recommended on the medicine’s label. Don’t assume that more medicine will work better or quicker. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
  
• If you are taking a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if it’s okay to also take an OTC antiemetic medicine.
• Don’t use more than 1 kind of OTC antiemetic medicine at a time unless your doctor says it’s okay. They may have similar active ingredients. These could add up to be too much medicine.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What kind of antiemetic medicine is best for me?
• How does the medicine help my nausea?
• How often can I take it?
• Is there a limit on how many days I can take it?
• What kinds of side effects should I look for?