Drugs for seasickness
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Effective Drugs for Seasickness: A Comprehensive Review
Seasickness, a common form of motion sickness, can significantly impact individuals during sea voyages. Various pharmacological agents have been studied for their efficacy in preventing and treating seasickness. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide an overview of the most effective drugs for seasickness.
Cinnarizine: A Prominent Choice for Seasickness Prevention
Cinnarizine has been extensively studied and shown to be effective in preventing seasickness. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 50 mg of cinnarizine significantly reduced seasickness symptoms in 65% of subjects compared to 31% in the placebo group, with minimal side effects10. Another study confirmed that 50 mg of cinnarizine provided significant protection against vomiting and seasickness symptoms, outperforming a lower dose of 25 mg5. These findings suggest that cinnarizine, particularly at a 50 mg dosage, is a potent option for seasickness prevention.
Scopolamine: Mixed Results and Side Effects
Scopolamine, another commonly used drug, has shown mixed results. While some studies indicate its effectiveness, others highlight its side effects. A study comparing scopolamine with other drugs found it to be less effective and associated with more visual problems1. However, scopolamine combined with ephedrine was found to be superior to placebo in preventing seasickness, although ephedrine did not significantly enhance scopolamine's effectiveness7. Additionally, scopolamine's efficacy can be predicted by changes in vestibular time constants, which may help tailor its use to individual needs9.
Dimenhydrinate: A Reliable Option
Dimenhydrinate, often combined with caffeine, has been shown to be effective in preventing seasickness. In a comparative study, dimenhydrinate with caffeine was among the six drugs recommended for seasickness prevention, with a low incidence of vomiting and malaise1. This combination provides a reliable option for individuals seeking to prevent seasickness.
Betahistine: Limited Efficacy
Betahistine was evaluated for its potential to prevent seasickness but showed limited efficacy. In a study involving 83 subjects, betahistine's effect on seasickness severity was borderline non-statistically significant compared to placebo, indicating that it may not be a reliable option for seasickness prevention3.
Ondansetron: Ineffective for Seasickness
Ondansetron, a 5HT3 blocker, was tested for seasickness prevention but did not demonstrate significant benefits. In a study with naval personnel, ondansetron did not significantly reduce seasickness symptoms compared to placebo, suggesting that its mechanism may not be suitable for seasickness8.
Other Drugs: Mixed Efficacy
Other drugs such as cyclizine, ginger root, and meclozine with caffeine have also been studied. These drugs were found to be effective in preventing seasickness with minimal adverse effects, making them viable options for individuals1. Additionally, phenglutarmide and cinnarizine were found to be significantly effective in a study involving military personnel2.
Conclusion
In summary, cinnarizine at a 50 mg dosage stands out as a highly effective drug for preventing seasickness, with minimal side effects. Scopolamine, while effective for some, has mixed results and notable side effects. Dimenhydrinate with caffeine is another reliable option. Betahistine and ondansetron, however, show limited efficacy in preventing seasickness. Other drugs like cyclizine, ginger root, and meclozine with caffeine also offer viable alternatives. Individuals should consider these findings and consult healthcare professionals to choose the most suitable prophylactic treatment for seasickness.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Comparison of Seven Commonly Used Agents for Prophylaxis of Seasickness.
Six of the seven medications tested for seasickness prevention are effective, with scopolamine TTS showing the least attractive results.
RCT
Large Human TrialEffect of certain drugs on the incidence of seasickness
Phenglutarmide and cinnarazine significantly reduce seasickness in military personnel on transport ships, while atropine and orphenadrine show less effectiveness.
Non-RCTEvaluation of betahistine for the prevention of seasickness: effect on vestibular function, psychomotor performance and efficacy at sea.
Betahistine shows a borderline non-statistically significant effect on preventing seasickness compared to placebo, but further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in less provocative motion sickness situations.
RCTDrugs preventing motion sickness at sea.
Benadryl and Postafene effectively prevent motion sickness at sea, while scopolamine has no protection and unpleasant side effects, and Lilly preparation 01780 shows promise for long-term protection.
Non-RCTCinnarizine in the prophylaxis of seasickness: Laboratory vestibular evaluation and sea study
50 mg cinnarizine effectively prevents seasickness in 69% of subjects and provides 63% vomiting protection, with reduced vestibular sensitivity contributing to its effectiveness.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and motion sickness medications
Scopolamine absorption can be verified by changes in cVEMP latencies, making it a useful clinical neurophysiological tool for assessing anti-seasickness drug absorption and efficacy.
Non-RCT
Very Rigorous JournalScopolamine alone or combined with ephedrine in seasickness: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Scopolamine alone or combined with ephedrine effectively prevents seasickness in young healthy male volunteers, with symptoms and side-effects decreasing on the third day of treatment.
RCTOndansetron for the prevention of seasickness in susceptible sailors: an evaluation at sea.
Ondansetron was not found to be beneficial in preventing seasickness in susceptible sailors, with no statistically significant reduction in symptoms or side effects.
RCTThe Vestibular Time Constant and Clinical Response to Antimotion Sickness Medication
Scopolamine-based medications effectively reduce seasickness severity, with a shorter vestibular time constant indicating successful treatment.
RCTEffect of cinnarizine in the prevention of seasickness.
Cinnarizine 50 mg effectively prevents seasickness in rough seas, with no notable side effects observed in this study.
RCT