The History of Anti-Sickness Tablets
It’s hard to imagine a world without anti-sickness tablets. For many of us, they’re a handy way to beat nausea and vomiting, whether we’re suffering from a stomach bug or are simply feeling a bit queasy after a long journey. But where did these wonder drugs come from?
The first anti-sickness tablets were actually developed way back in the early 19th century. At the time, there was no such thing as ‘pharmacology’ – drugs were made by trial and error, and their effects on the human body were largely unknown.
One of the first people to experiment with anti-sickness tablets was an English doctor called James Gilbey. In 1817, he started giving his patients a mixture of laudanum (an opium tincture) and ginger, which he claimed was effective in treating nausea.
Other doctors quickly cottoned on to the fact that this could be a lucrative business, and soon there were a whole host of different anti-sickness tablets on the market. Many of these early formulations were based on opium, as it was thought to be effective in relieving nausea.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the first ‘modern’ anti-sickness tablets were developed. In 1908, German scientists discovered that a compound called meclizine was effective in preventing vomiting.
Meclizine was originally developed as an anti-histamine, but it was quickly realised that it had strong anti-nausea properties. It was first used medically in 1935, and is still used in some modern tablets today.
Another early anti-sickness tablet was developed in the 1920s. This was a compound called hyoscine, which is also known as scopolamine. It’s derived from a plant called the nightshade, and like meclizine, it was originally developed as an anti-histamine.
Hyoscine was first used to treat nausea in 1927, and it’s still used in some modern anti-sickness tablets. It’s thought to work by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine, which is involved in the vomiting reflex.
The first anti-sickness tablet that was specifically developed to treat motion sickness was called Dramamine. It was developed in the 1950s, and contains a compound called dimenhydrinate.
Dimenhydrinate is a combination of two drugs – meclizine and diphenhydramine. It’s thought to work by preventing the signalling of the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and equilibrium.
Modern anti-sickness tablets usually contain one of these three active ingredients – meclizine, hyoscine or dimenhydrinate. They’re all effective in preventing nausea and vomiting, and they’re all safe to use.
If you’re suffering from nausea, vomiting or motion sickness, then ask your doctor or pharmacist about taking an anti-sickness tablet. They’re a safe and effective way to relieve your symptoms, and they could make all the difference to your day..Read Full Report
The Different Reactions to Anti-Sickness Tablets
There are a variety of anti-sickness medications available on the market, and each person may have a different reaction to them. Some people may find that they work well and experience only minor side effects, while others may find that the side effects are more severe and the medication is less effective.
It is important to speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, as they will be able to advise on the best option for the individual. They can also provide information on how to minimise the risk of side effects.
The most common side effects of anti-sickness medication are feeling drowsy or tired, dry mouth, headache, and dizziness. Some people may also experience constipation or diarrhea. These side effects usually improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
If someone is struggling to cope with the side effects of their medication, they should speak to their doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medication or advise on ways to help manage the side effects.
It is important to follow the instructions given by the doctor or pharmacist when taking anti-sickness medication. This includes taking the medication at the correct times and in the correct doses.
Some people may be more susceptible to side effects from anti-sickness medication, such as elderly people or those with existing health conditions. It is important to be aware of this and to speak to a doctor before taking any medication.
Anti-sickness medications can be an effective way to treat nausea and vomiting. However, everyone may react differently to the medication and some people may experience more side effects than others. it is important to speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, so that they can advise on the best option for the individual.
We used pregnancysicknesssuport.org.uk to write this article about anti sickness tablets. Click here to find out more.