COMDTINST 6710.15D
10 OCT 1990 4.
a.
(cont'd) regimen will not be successful. Watchstanders, as well as those working around
hazardous machinery, should be especially aware of the potential mild sedative side
effects of the medication. With the exception of a limited use for the promethazine-
ephedrine combination while deployed (see para. 4.d. below), aviation personnel may not
use antimotion sickness medication, because of the potential sedative side effects. These
medications must not be taken within 12 hours after ingestion of alcohol and should be
avoided by pregnant members. These medicines should be prescribed initially by health
services personnel to ensure that the patient is fully informed of directions for use,
precautions, and possible side effects.
b.
Behavioral Control. Voluntary head movement while undergoing accelerations due to
aircraft, ship, or motor vehicle motion introduces an additional acceleration input to the
inner ear receptors. This can have the effect of further increasing motion sickness
symptoms. Keeping voluntary head movement (turning or looking up or down) to a
minimum during sea, air, or auto travel is an effective non-drug method of combatting
motion sickness.
c.
Meclizine (Bonine, Antivert). For many years this medication has been a mainstay for the
prevention of motion sickness. It is less sedating than Dramamine. In the recommended
dosage it should prove effective for the majority of persons.
(1)
Meclizine dose: 1-2 tablets (25 mg) one hour prior to departure, repeating this dose
every 12 to 24 hours as needed.
(2)
Side-effects: sedation, blurred vision, and dry mouth.
(3)
Federal Supply System information:
Meclizine 25 mg chewable tablets
NSN: 6505-00-926-2111 U/I: BT (100's)
d.
Promethazine (Phenergan) and Ephedrine. Adding ephedrine to commonly used motion
sickness medications has been shown to increase their effectiveness. This is especially
true of the combination of promethazine and ephedrine which, in addition to working well,
has been shown to cause relatively few side-effects aside from occasional mild sedation or
aggravation of existing hypertension. The following are guidelines for the use of the
promethazine-ephedrine combination by Coast Guard personnel.
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