My nephew panicked and started crying, “Get me out of the vehicle.”

Last week was about traveling. Expected 7 hours became 10 because of ongoing road construction. Too tedious and sultry.

On top of that, my four-year-old nephew started getting cranky. He usually can't tolerate long commutes because of motion sickness. As time progressed, he started panicking and crying, “Get me out of the van.”

That certainly got me thinking, would it have been better if I had medicated him before travel?

The most commonly preferred medicines for motion sickness are sedating antihistamines (preferably promethazine). These sedating antihistamines control throw up not only by inducing sleep but also because of their anticholinergic action that prevents vomiting.

But would I consider it?

My protective instinct turns me reluctant because over-sedation can be threatening. And, anticholinergics like scopolamine are not recommended in children because of insufficient safety studies.

Meanwhile, prokinetic agents like domperidone have no good effect on motion sickness as vomiting is associated with vestibular effects.

So what will I do?

After numerous contemplation, if I have no other option but to medicate, then there is no other best choice than those drowsy-causing antihistamines in children above 2 years. The recommended dose of promethazine is 12.5-25 mg 30 minutes before travel and to be repeated every 8 hours if needed. The test dose at home can also be a testament if children show paradoxical agitation (the opposite effect of what is expected).

I know, beginning any sort of medicine on your kid is too concerning. So, it is always best to reach out to your pediatrician before initiating any medicine.

 Non-pharmacological approaches include taking a window or a front seat, motivating others to focus on distant views, and taking light bland meals before travel.

And in case you get motion sickness too and looking for a medicinal remedy, you know what to take. Right?
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I am Gaurav Rayamajhi, PharmD, a medical writer, and presenter. I create comprehensive meaningful medical content for patients, healthcare professionals and health service industries.