At the Luxton’s Pharmacy Travel Clinic, we often get asked about how to manage travel sickness in children, especially during long journeys. Whether you’re travelling by car, plane, or boat, motion sickness can make the trip uncomfortable for little ones. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and manage these symptoms, including the use of children’s travel sickness tablets. In this Q&A, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these tablets, how they work, and how to make travelling more comfortable for your child.

Q: What is travel sickness, and why do children experience it?

Answer:

Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, occurs when there is a mismatch between the signals your brain receives from your inner ear (which helps with balance) and what your eyes are seeing. This conflict can lead to nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and fatigue, especially during car journeys, flights, or boat rides.

Children are particularly susceptible to travel sickness because their bodies are still developing, and they may not have fully adjusted to these conflicting signals. Symptoms of travel sickness tend to appear between the ages of 2 and 12, though some children may outgrow it as they get older.

Q: What are children’s travel sickness tablets, and how do they work?

Answer:

Children’s travel sickness tablets are over-the-counter medications specifically formulated to prevent or relieve the symptoms of motion sickness in children. These tablets typically work by blocking the brain’s response to the conflicting signals coming from the inner ear and eyes, which can help reduce feelings of nausea and dizziness.

Some of the most common active ingredients in travel sickness tablets for children include cinnarizine and hyoscine hydrobromide. Both of these medications work to calm the areas of the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting, helping your child feel more comfortable during travel.

Q: When should I give my child travel sickness tablets?

Answer:

For best results, it’s usually recommended to give children’s travel sickness tablets about 30 minutes to an hour before the start of your journey. This gives the medication enough time to take effect and prevent symptoms before they start.

If you know that your child tends to get sick on certain types of transport, such as in a car or on a boat, it’s better to be proactive and give the medication in advance, rather than waiting for the symptoms to appear.

Q: Are travel sickness tablets safe for children?

Answer:

Yes, children’s travel sickness tablets are generally safe when used as directed. However, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with your pharmacist or GP if your child has any underlying health conditions or is taking other medications.

At Luxton’s Pharmacy, we can advise you on the appropriate travel sickness medication for your child based on their age and weight. Some tablets may not be suitable for very young children, so it’s always best to get professional guidance before administering any medication.

Q: What are the potential side effects of children’s travel sickness tablets?

Answer:

Like any medication, children’s travel sickness tablets can cause side effects, though these are usually mild. Common side effects may include:

Drowsiness: Many travel sickness tablets can make your child feel sleepy, which could be a benefit if you’re hoping they’ll rest during the journey.

Dry mouth: Some children may experience a dry mouth after taking the tablets.

Blurred vision: In rare cases, some children might experience mild visual disturbances.

These side effects tend to be short-lived and resolve once the medication wears off. If your child experiences any more severe reactions, such as a rash, difficulty breathing, or extreme drowsiness, seek medical attention immediately.

Q: Are there alternatives to children’s travel sickness tablets?

Answer:

Yes, if you prefer to avoid medication, there are other methods to help manage travel sickness in children:

Acupressure bands: These are wristbands designed to apply pressure to a specific point on the wrist, which can help reduce nausea in some people. They are a drug-free option and are often used by those who prefer non-medicated methods.

Ginger-based products: Ginger has been shown to help with nausea, and there are various ginger-based products like chews or drinks that may offer some relief.

Positioning and environment: Encourage your child to sit in a forward-facing seat where they can look out of the window. Keeping the car cool and well-ventilated can also help, as can frequent breaks during car journeys.

At Luxton’s Pharmacy, we also stock acupressure bands and can advise on other non-medicated options for managing travel sickness.

Q: Can I give my child travel sickness tablets during the journey if symptoms start?

Answer:

While children’s travel sickness tablets are most effective when taken before the journey, they can still be given during the trip if symptoms begin. However, the relief might take longer to set in compared to taking the medication in advance.

If your child starts to feel unwell during the journey, try to help them focus on the horizon or a stationary object, encourage them to take slow, deep breaths, and make sure the vehicle is well-ventilated. Offering sips of water can also help ease nausea.

Q: How can I prepare for travel if my child has a history of travel sickness?

Answer:

If your child has experienced travel sickness before, preparation is key to making the journey as comfortable as possible. In addition to bringing children’s travel sickness tablets, here are a few tips to help prevent symptoms:

Pack snacks: Eating light, bland snacks like crackers before and during the trip can help settle your child’s stomach.

Encourage naps: If possible, encourage your child to nap during the journey, as they’re less likely to experience motion sickness while asleep.

Bring distractions: Books, games, and music can help distract your child from the movement, reducing the likelihood of feeling sick.

Keep Travel Sickness at Bay

Managing children’s travel sickness doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right preparation, including the use of children’s travel sickness tablets from Luxton’s Pharmacy, you can help make your next journey as smooth and comfortable as possible for your child. Whether you opt for medication or other remedies, our team is here to guide you on the best approach to keeping travel sickness at bay.

Visit us or get in touch today to speak with one of our pharmacists and ensure you’re fully prepared for your next trip.

This blog was written on behalf of Luxtons Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.