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Motion sickness happens when the brain gets conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear and body. The classic triggers — boat trips, winding mountain roads, reading in a car, and long-haul flights — all put the inner ear in motion while the eyes see something still. The result is nausea, cold sweats, sometimes vomiting. It is unpleasant but not dangerous, and pharmacies stock several proven options.
Here is a plain, side-by-side comparison of the travel sickness tablets you can buy in the UK in 2026 — what each costs roughly, how quickly it works, who should not take it, and where to pick it up.
The three main families
Hyoscine hydrobromide — Kwells and Joy-Rides
The oldest and best-studied motion sickness medicine. An anticholinergic that dampens the inner ear signal.
- Kwells (adults) and Kwells Kids: chewable tablets, take 20 to 30 minutes before travel, lasts six hours.
- Joy-Rides: sugar-coated tablets aimed at children from age four, same active ingredient.
- Scopoderm 1 mg patches: stick behind the ear five to six hours before travel, lasts up to 72 hours. Prescription-only in the UK.
- Main side effects: dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness.
- Avoid if: glaucoma, prostate problems, severe constipation, or taking other anticholinergic medicines (including some bladder and Parkinson's drugs).
Both Kwells (adults, 300 µg hyoscine) and Joy-Rides (children) are sold at most UK pharmacy counters — ask for them by name. Amazon UK does not stock either brand reliably.
Cinnarizine — Stugeron 15 mg
An antihistamine with anti-motion sickness and anti-dizziness effects.
- Take two hours before travel, lasts six to eight hours.
- Less sedating than promethazine but still avoid driving.
- Licensed from age five.
- Useful for people who get seasick on ferries or cruises where hyoscine's short duration is awkward.
Stugeron 15 (cinnarizine) is available from UK pharmacies — ask the pharmacist if you are unsure about cinnarizine for your trip.
Promethazine — Avomine and Phenergan
Older sedating antihistamines. Effective but very sedating.
- Take one to two hours before travel.
- Lasts 8 to 12 hours.
- Good for overnight ferries and flights where sleeping through is the goal.
- Causes heavy drowsiness for hours after waking — do not drive the next day.
- Not recommended for children under two for sedation purposes.
Avomine (promethazine teoclate) and Phenergan are pharmacy medicines — ask your pharmacist, especially if you are pregnant or on other sedating medicines.
Quick comparison
| Medicine | Onset | Duration | Main side effect | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kwells (hyoscine) | 20-30 min | ~6 hours | Dry mouth | Short car or plane trips | Pharmacy counter |
| Scopoderm patch | 5-6 hours | Up to 72 hours | Dry mouth, blurred vision | Cruises, multi-day travel | Pharmacy (Rx) |
| Stugeron (cinnarizine) | ~2 hours | 6-8 hours | Mild drowsiness | Ferries, winding roads | Pharmacy counter |
| Joy-Rides (children) | 20-30 min | ~6 hours | Dry mouth | Family car journeys, age 4+ | Pharmacy counter |
| Avomine / Phenergan | 1-2 hours | 8-12 hours | Heavy sedation | Overnight travel, bad sufferers | Pharmacy counter |
What about ginger?
Two reviews published in recent years found ginger reduces nausea better than placebo and is comparable to some OTC medicines, without drowsiness. Ginger capsules, chews or natural ginger ale may suit pregnant women or people who cannot take antihistamines. Evidence is moderate — worth trying but do not rely on it alone for known severe motion sickness.
Ginger root capsules are an evidence-supported non-drug option — suitable in pregnancy if your midwife confirms.
Acupressure wristbands
The evidence for wristbands stimulating the P6 acupressure point is mixed. Some trials show modest benefit, others none. They are cheap, non-drug, and harmless — reasonable to try alongside other measures.
Acupressure wristbands target the Nei-Kuan (P6) point — drug-free, reusable, and the same brand obstetricians often suggest for morning sickness:
Behavioural tricks that work
- Sit where motion is least: front seat of a car, over the wing on a plane, midships on a boat.
- Look at the horizon.
- Keep the head still against a headrest.
- Avoid reading, screens, heavy meals, and alcohol.
- Open a window for fresh air; fix your gaze forward.
- In children, frequent small snacks and regular breaks help more than medicine for mild cases.
Who should see a GP
Occasional travel sickness does not need medical review. See a GP if:
- Motion sickness is suddenly new in an adult who never had it before.
- It is severe and frequent, interfering with work or travel for your job.
- Symptoms happen without obvious motion (could suggest vestibular problems).
- You are pregnant and want something reliable — several options including cyclizine need prescription.
Combining medicines
Do not combine hyoscine with another antihistamine without pharmacist advice — side effects stack. Do not take travel sickness medicine with alcohol. If you are already on sedatives, antidepressants, or medicines for Parkinson's disease, check with the pharmacist before buying anything off the shelf.
Finding a pharmacy
Every community pharmacy stocks the products above and will talk through what suits your trip. Use PharmSee's pharmacy directory to find one near you.
Sources
- NHS: Motion sickness
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Motion sickness
- British National Formulary: hyoscine, cinnarizine, promethazine
- Cochrane Reviews: Ginger for nausea