COMDTINST 6710.15D
10 OCT 1990 4.
4.
d.
(1)
The recommended oral dosage is 25 mg of promethazine hydrochloride and 25 mg
of ephedrine sulfate. This combination should be taken one to two hours prior to
motion stress and every six hours as needed thereafter.
(2)
Helicopter crewmembers may use the promethazine-ephedrine combination during
their first 48 hours aboard ship. After two days, most aviation personnel should
have acclimated to normal levels of ship motion stress. To remain in a flying status
while using this regimen, it must have been prescribed by a flight surgeon.
Therefore, deploying crews should request prescriptions prior to departing their air
stations. Pilots using this combination may not fly solo missions during the period
of its use and for 12 hours after the last dose. As a general rule, a pilot medicated
for motion sickness should not sit in the right seat, not control the aircraft under 300
feet, and not assume the role of aircraft commander. On first use of this
combination, there should be, operations permitting, a six-hour trial on the
medication prior to flying. Aircrew feeling impaired from seasickness symptoms
should ground themselves.
(3)
Both medications are available through the Federal Supply System with the
following stocking information:
(a)
Promethazine Hydrochloride Tablets, 25 mg, 1000's NSN: 6505-00-584-
3277 U/I: BT
(b)
Ephedrine Sulfate Capsules, 25 mg, 500's NSN: 6505-00-117-4912 U/I: BT
e.
Scopolamine. The scopolamine Trans-Dermal Therapeutic System (TTS) has proven to
be one of the most effective drugs available for preventing motion sickness. Despite
controlled release, studies have shown greater variability of side effects with TTS, when
compared to oral use of this drug. Because of this element of unpredictability, additional
guidelines are provided for its use.
(1)
The patch is placed behind either ear four hours before motion sickness prevention
will be needed. The medication is slowly absorbed through the skin and lasts three
days.
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