A 22-year-old going on a 5-day cruise for her honeymoon has a history of severe motion sickness. Which medication can be prescribed for this condition?

The scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) is an excellent choice for managing motion sickness, especially in a patient with a history of severe motion sickness who is about to embark on a cruise. Scopolamine is an anticholinergic agent that works by blocking the actions of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter implicated in the vestibular system’s sensitivity to motion. The patch is applied behind the ear, allowing for a steady release of medication over several days, which is particularly beneficial for prolonged exposure to motion, such as on a cruise.

This transdermal delivery system ensures that the medication is administered continuously, providing ongoing relief from motion sickness symptoms without requiring frequent dosing, which is advantageous during activities like cruising. The ease of use, effectiveness, and extended duration of action make it particularly suitable in this scenario.

For comparison, dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) is an antihistamine that can also be effective for motion sickness but often requires dosing every 4 to 6 hours and may cause drowsiness, which might not be ideal for a honeymoon. Metoclopramide (Reglan) is primarily used for nausea related to gastrointestinal issues, not specifically for motion sickness. Ondansetron (Zofran),