![]() Pharmacists are also in a unique position to assist in product selection for pediatric patients, because antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine should not be taken by children younger than 2 years. Pharmacists should ensure that patients clearly understand the proper use of these OTC products and should also recommend nonpharmacologic means of preventing or reducing the incidence of motion sickness. Prior to recommending any of these nonprescription products, it is imperative that pharmacists ascertain whether self-treatment is appropriate. Individuals with chronic motion sickness, however, should be referred to a physician to determine the best options for managing their condition. Most cases of motion sickness are mild and are amenable to self-treatment. 3 Patients should also be advised that use of antihistamines by children may cause paradoxical stimulation, and use by geriatric patients may cause agitation and confusion. Patients should be cautioned that an increased sedative effect may occur when these products are used in conjunction with central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. 3 In addition, patients with certain medical conditions such as asthma, narrow-angle glaucoma, or benign prostatic hypertrophy should be advised not to use these products unless directed to do so by their physician. ![]() 3ĭuring counseling, patients should be advised of possible adverse effects from the products described, such as drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and urinary retention, and should be advised to exercise caution until they are aware of how these agents affect them. ![]() For antiemetic products to be effective, patients should be advised to take them at least 30 to 60 minutes before travel to allow adequate time for onset of action and continue taking them during travel. ![]() Prestige Brands Inc has a new formulation of Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) available in grape-flavored chewable tablets for children aged 2 to 12 years. Nonprescription antihistamines indicated for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness include meclizine, cyclizine, dimenhydrinate, and diphenhydramine. 3 First-generation antihistamines in particular act on the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting. The nonprescription products currently available for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness include various antihistamine products. 3 Preventing or finding immediate relief for the symptoms of motion sickness is a top priority for those affected by it. The nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness is the result of overstimulation of the labyrinth (inner ear) apparatus. 4 The condition occurs most commonly in women. 2 Those suffering from motion sickness generally experience an unpleasant feeling of malaise. 2,3 Some people have even reported episodes of motion sickness while viewing 3D movies. Many individuals experience motion sickness when traveling by boat, while others may experience it traveling via car, train, or airplane. 1 Anyone can experience motion sickness, but some people are more susceptible to it than others. Motion sickness is defined as a short-lived response to abnormal motion stimuli or contradictory spatial sensory information, which may result in nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Motion sickness is easier to prevent than treat but OTC options are available.
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