Note when using anti-sickness medicine for children

The article was written by a pharmacist working at the Pharmacy Department - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

There are several medications that can help prevent and treat motion sickness. Because motion sickness involves the central nervous system and the vestibule, psychoactive drugs may be effective for the treatment of motion sickness.

Motion sickness is a condition that leads to nausea, dizziness and some other problems. Motion sickness usually occurs when people ride a train, ride a car or stay in moving vehicles. Symptoms of motion sickness include:
Dizziness Nausea or vomiting slightly Increased salivation Sweating, body heat

Motion sickness is a normal response of the body to an abnormal change. The degree of motion sickness depends on many different factors, including age. Science is still unclear about the mechanism why children under 2 years of age rarely experience motion sickness. Children between the ages of 9 and 12 are most at risk of motion sickness, then the rate of motion sickness gradually declines as children get older.

The use of medicine for children can be difficult in some cases such as uncooperative children, young children... In fact, there are some recommended tips to help alleviate motion sickness. in children.
Do's:
Choose travel times: If possible, move around at bedtime (especially young children) Focus your child's attention elsewhere (eg outside the door) window or look far into the horizon or a stationary object in the distance), talk to your child or sing to your child or listen to music Use a U-neck pillow or headrest to avoid unnecessary movements child's head The child's seat should be reclined as much as possible. Choose a seat for your child: If you are traveling by car, place your child in the front of the vehicle or in the upper rows of seats instead of in the lower rows. fly to avoid shaking If on a boat, children should sit on the lower deck or cabin Eating ginger candy is also a solution to reduce nausea If the trip is short, children should be avoided. If the trip is long and the children need to eat, they should have a snack (dry biscuits, moderate drinks) before departure. It is advisable to arrange a cool space (open the window or use the air conditioner), avoid heat. Keep your child calm (many children get motion sickness when they're nervous about the trip). If the child shows signs of motion sickness while moving, should stop the car as soon as possible and let the child go out and walk around or let the child rest for a few minutes (with eyes closed), maybe apply a cold towel to the child.

Do's:
Avoid letting your child read, watch a movie or concentrate on a game while on the go. Avoid strong odors in the car, avoid heat. Avoid greasy, hot or full meals before going.

There is no evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of motion sickness medications for children under 2 years of age.
Some anti-motion sickness drugs can be used for children > 2 years old as follows:

The most common undesirable effect of most anti-motion sickness drugs is drowsiness when used.
Should not be used as a sedative when flying, because excessive sedation combined with low air pressure when flying can be dangerous for children
With prescription drugs, it is imperative to Only a doctor's prescription is allowed to use. With over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, it is necessary to read the product instructions carefully to make sure there are no contraindications for children, dosage and possible unwanted effects.

Article reference source: update.com