Antimotion Sickness Drug Efficacy

Abstract

The principal medications available for the prevention of motion sickness were tested for their relative efficacy in a Navy National Aeronautics and Space Administration program at Pensacola, Fla. The drugs were tested on the human centrifuge, at sea, in the air, and in zero gravity flights. The results of this research indicated that drugs with central anticholinergic actions such as scopolamine, promethazine, dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), cyclizine (Marezine), and meclizine (Bonine) were effective in increasing resistance to motion sickness. Drugs with central effects which enhanced the action of norepinephrine were also effective. These included dextroamphetamine sulfate (Dexedrine) and ephedrine. It is recommended that all antimotion sickness drugs be taken at least one hour before exposure to motion. For severe conditions of motion it is recommended that one of the following drug combinations be used: (1) scopolamine, 0.6 mg, plus dextroamphetamine sulfate, 5 mg, or (2) promethazine, 25 mg, plus ephedrine, 25 mg. Moderate conditions may be controlled by dimenhydrinate, 50 mg, and in mild conditions such as automobile travel, cyclizine, 50 mg, or meclizine, 50 mg, may be sufficient. The proper dose of an effective antimotion sickness drug given at the proper time will protect most susceptible patients from motion sickness. After motion sickness has developed, intramuscular injections of promethazine or scopolamine have a therapeutic effect.