Experiencing vomiting in a foreign country can be a particularly uncomfortable experience, especially when you are unfamiliar with the medications available. For Brazilians living in the United States, knowing how to treat these symptoms is essential to ensure well-being and peace of mind. In this article, you will find complete information on the main vomiting remedies available in American pharmacies, as well as guidance on when to seek medical attention.
Understanding Vomiting and Its Causes
Vomiting is a defensive response of the body that can be triggered by a variety of factors, including food poisoning, viral infections, medication side effects, motion sickness, pregnancy, or even more serious medical conditions. In the United States, as in Brazil, there are specific medications to control these symptoms, but with different brand names and presentations.
Before seeking any medication, it is important to identify the possible cause of vomiting, as treatment may vary depending on the origin of the problem. In some cases, vomiting is a protective mechanism of the body and should not be immediately suppressed without proper evaluation.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications in the US
In the United States, several medications for nausea and vomiting are available without a prescription (over-the-counter or OTC). The main ones are:
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
The American equivalent of the Brazilian Dramamine, Dramamine is one of the most popular medications for nausea and vomiting in the US. It is especially effective for motion sickness, whether in a car, plane or boat.
Available in tablets, chewable tablets and a children’s version, Dramamine usually works within about 30 minutes of ingestion. There are also “Non-Drowsy” (which do not cause drowsiness) and “Less Drowsy” (with less sedative effect) versions.
Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy)
Meclizine, sold under the brand names Bonine or Dramamine Less Drowsy, is another popular antiemetic that causes less drowsiness than traditional dimenhydrinate. It is particularly effective for long trips and for people who need to stay alert.
Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
The famous pink liquid, Pepto-Bismol, is a versatile medication that treats not only vomiting, but also nausea, indigestion, diarrhea and stomach discomfort. It is available in liquid, chewable tablets and tablets.
It is important to note that Pepto-Bismol contains salicylates (similar to aspirin) and should not be used by people with an allergy to aspirin or by children and adolescents with flu or chickenpox symptoms due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome.
Ginger Supplements
In the US, ginger supplements are quite popular for treating nausea and vomiting. Available in capsules, chewable tablets, and even drops and candies, ginger is a natural option that many people prefer as a first-line treatment, especially pregnant women.
Prescription Medications
For more severe or persistent cases, the following prescription medications may be recommended by an American doctor:
Ondansetron (Zofran)
A powerful antiemetic initially developed for chemotherapy patients, ondansetron is often prescribed for severe vomiting of various origins. In the United States, it is available as an orally dissolving tablet, which makes it easy to take even during episodes of severe vomiting.
Promethazine (Phenergan)
This medication may be prescribed in tablet, suppository or injection form for more severe cases. It has a strong sedative effect and is often used in hospital settings or for home treatment of severe vomiting.
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Similar to the Brazilian Plasil, metoclopramide works by accelerating gastric emptying and is particularly useful when vomiting is associated with digestive motility problems.
Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
Used for severe vomiting, this medication is available in tablet, suppository, and injectable form. It is commonly prescribed in emergency departments for acute cases.
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Guidelines for Brazilians in the USA
Differences in Nomenclature and Availability
One of the biggest difficulties for Brazilians in the US is identifying the equivalents of the medications they used to use in Brazil. For example:
- Plasil (metoclopramide) is known as Reglan
- Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is known as Dramamine
- Motilium (domperidone) is not FDA approved for general use in the US and is not readily available.
Where to Buy Medication in the USA
In the United States, over-the-counter medications can be purchased from:
- Large pharmacy chains such as CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid
- Supermarkets with a pharmaceutical section such as Walmart, Target, Kroger
- Online pharmacies like Amazon Pharmacy
For prescription medications, you must consult a doctor (primary care physician, urgent care or emergency room, depending on the severity) and then purchase the medication at a pharmacy with the prescription.
Health Insurance Coverage
If you have health insurance in the US, check to see if your prescription drug is covered by your plan. Many plans have a list of preferred drugs (formulary) with different levels of coverage. In some cases, generics can be significantly cheaper.
When to Seek Medical Care
While it may be tempting to self-medicate, there are situations in which it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Seek medical attention if:
- Vomiting persists for more than 24 hours
- There is blood in the vomit
- Vomiting is accompanied by severe abdominal pain
- There are signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness)
- Occur after head trauma
- Monitor stiff neck and high fever
In the US, you can seek care at:
- Urgent Care Centers (for non-emergency cases)
- Emergency Rooms
- Telemedicine (many health plans offer virtual consultations)
Complementary Measures to Relieve Vomiting
In addition to medication, some measures can help alleviate symptoms:
- Hydration: Drink small sips of water, light teas or isotonic drinks
- BRAT Diet: Banana, Rice, Applesauce, Toast – soft foods that are easier to digest
- Avoid strong odors, fatty or highly seasoned foods
- Rest in a cool and calm environment
- Use deep breathing techniques to reduce nausea
Vomiting During Pregnancy
Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. In the U.S., doctors often recommend:
- Vitamin B6 supplements, sometimes combined with doxylamine (Unisom)
- In severe cases, prescription medications such as Diclegis (a combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine approved by the FDA for use in pregnancy)
Always consult your obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Adapting to the American healthcare system and the medications available in the US can be challenging for newly arrived Brazilians. However, knowing the options for treating common symptoms such as vomiting is essential to maintaining quality of life and well-being.
Remember that self-medication should be avoided whenever possible, especially in a foreign country where medications may have different compositions and dosages than you are used to. If in doubt, consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist, who will be able to advise you on the best option for your specific case.
