Commandant (G-KOM-1)
Washington, DC 20593-0001
United States Coast Guard
(202) 267-0805
COMDTINST 6710.15D
10 OCT 1990
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 6710.15D
Subj: Antimotion Sickness Medications
1.
PURPOSE. This instruction provides information and guidance on using currently available
antimotion sickness medications.
2.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. Commandant Instruction 6710.15C is canceled.
3.
BACKGROUND. Motion sickness is apt to occur when changes in acceleration continuously
stimulate receptors in the inner ear. Stimulation beyond what an individual is accustomed to
can result in the classic symptoms of malaise, nausea, and vomiting. This undesirable stress
factor may not only contribute to mishap by crippling the efforts of our people during rescue
attempts, but may also impair their performance during routine operations as well.
Medications are commonly used to combat motion sickness. These medicines, however, are
not without undesirable side effects (most importantly, mild sedation) which might interfere
with performance of duties. The symptoms of motion sickness, however, often result in a
greater impairment of performance, and in this case the medications may be beneficial. The
decision to prescribe or use medication must always take into account risk versus benefit.
4.
DISCUSSION.
a. General. The effectiveness of motion sickness drugs will vary with individual
susceptibility, the duration and intensity of the motion, the interval between taking the
drug and the onset of motion, and dosage. Since people differ in their responsiveness to
the commonly used drugs or their combinations, failure to control motion sickness with
one drug or combination does not mean that another
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