Nausea (feeling sick) can be caused by travel and motion sickness, indigestion or reflux, or general stomach upset. This category brings together UK pharmacy treatments people commonly shop for when they want short-term nausea relief or to help prevent symptoms before a journey. You’ll see a mix of formats, including travel sickness patches and anti-sickness tablets, alongside digestive relief liquids and effervescent salts for nausea linked to upset stomach or indigestion.
To choose safely, start by matching the product to the likely cause, then check the label for age limits, drowsiness warnings, and interactions with other medicines. Some medicines may be supplied under pharmacy supervision and can involve additional checks. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, taking regular medicines, or symptoms are severe or persistent, seek advice from a pharmacist or GP.
Related digestion categories
Popular types of nausea products
- Travel sickness tablets to take before journeys (check pack timing and suitability)
- Travel sickness patches for longer trips and steady dosing (follow pack guidance)
- Hyoscine travel sickness tablets for motion sickness prevention (check warnings)
- Promethazine travel tablets for travel-related nausea (check suitability and drowsiness advice)
- Upset stomach liquids and salts for nausea linked to indigestion, bloating, or stomach upset
How to choose the right option
- Identify the trigger: motion sickness, indigestion/reflux, or a stomach bug may need different approaches.
- Use prevention when it matters: for travel sickness, many options are intended to be taken/applied before you set off.
- Check drowsiness warnings: some anti-sickness medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision; if affected, do not drive, cycle, or operate machinery.
- Choose an easy format: patches can suit longer journeys; tablets may suit shorter trips; liquids can help if swallowing tablets is difficult.
- Confirm age suitability: children’s dosing and minimum ages vary by brand and format—use only what the pack allows.
- Review interactions: take extra care if you use other medicines that can cause drowsiness, or if you have ongoing health conditions.
Quick links: common needs
FAQs
When should I take anti-sickness medicine for travel?
Many travel sickness treatments are intended to be used before symptoms start. Check the pack for timing (some may be taken 20–30 minutes before travel, while others are taken earlier for longer journeys). Follow the on-pack directions and Patient Information Leaflet.
What’s the difference between a travel sickness patch and tablets?
Patches are often chosen for longer journeys because they provide dosing over time, while tablets may suit shorter trips or when you prefer a dose you can repeat as directed. Suitability depends on age, medical history, and other medicines.
Do promethazine or hyoscine travel tablets cause drowsiness?
They can. Some anti-sickness medicines may cause drowsiness or affect reaction time. If you’re affected, do not drive, cycle, or use machinery, and avoid alcohol unless the label says it’s safe for you.
Can I take travel sickness medicine with other sedating medicines?
Be cautious with combinations. Some medicines (including some antihistamines, sleep aids, strong pain relief, and certain cough/cold products) can add to drowsiness. If you’re unsure what’s safe to take together, ask a pharmacist before using them.
What should I do if nausea comes with diarrhoea or vomiting?
Focus on fluids to help prevent dehydration. If you can’t keep fluids down, feel faint, have very dry mouth or reduced urination, or symptoms are severe, seek medical advice—especially for children, older adults, or during pregnancy.
Are nausea remedies safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or think you may be pregnant, speak to a pharmacist or GP before using anti-sickness medicines. Product suitability varies and professional guidance helps you choose the safest option.
When should I speak to a pharmacist or GP about nausea?
Get advice urgently if you can’t keep fluids down, have signs of dehydration, severe or worsening abdominal pain, chest pain, confusion, blood in vomit or stools, or if nausea lasts more than a few days or keeps returning.
Safety notice: These products are for short-term symptom management and may not be suitable for everyone. Always read the label and Patient Information Leaflet. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or you have underlying conditions or take regular medicines, speak to a pharmacist or GP for personalised advice.
