kwells travel sickness tablets side effects

Hyoscine hydrobromide (Kwells and Joy-Rides) - Other brand names: Kwells Kids, Travel Calm, Scopoderm

Find out how hyoscine hydrobromide treats travel sickness and how to take it.

• About hyoscine hydrobromide
• Who can and cannot take it
• How and when to take it
• Side effects
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
• Taking it with other medicines and herbal supplements
• Common questions

Related conditions

• Motion sickness

• GP practice services
• Health advice
• Health research
• Medical professionals

Health topics

Advice and clinical information on a wide variety of healthcare topics.

All health topics

Latest features

Allergies, blood & immune system

Bones, joints and muscles

Brain and nerves

Chest and lungs

Children's health

Cosmetic surgery

Digestive health

Ear, nose and throat

General health & lifestyle

Heart health and blood vessels

Kidney & urinary tract

Men's health

Mental health

Oral and dental care

Senior health

Sexual health

Signs and symptoms

Skin, nail and hair health

Travel and vaccinations

Treatment and medication

Women's health

Healthy living

Expert insight and opinion on nutrition, physical and mental health.

Exercise and physical activity

Healthy eating

Healthy relationships

Managing harmful habits

Mental wellbeing

Relaxation and sleep

Managing conditions

From ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure, to steroids for eczema, find out what options are available, how they work and the possible side effects.

Featured conditions

ADHD in children

Crohn's disease

Endometriosis

Fibromyalgia

Gastroenteritis

Irritable bowel syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Scarlet fever

Tonsillitis

Vaginal thrush

Health conditions A-Z

• Medicine information

Information and fact sheets for patients and professionals. Find out side effects, medicine names, dosages and uses.

All medicines A-Z

Allergy medicines

Analgesics and pain medication

Anti-inflammatory medicines

Breathing treatment and respiratory care

Cancer treatment and drugs

Contraceptive medicines

Diabetes medicines

ENT and mouth care

Eye care medicine

Gastrointestinal treatment

Genitourinary medicine

Heart disease treatment and prevention

Hormonal imbalance treatment

Hormone deficiency treatment

Immunosuppressive drugs

Infection treatment medicine

Kidney conditions treatments

Muscle, bone and joint pain treatment

• Nausea medicine and vomiting treatment

Nervous system drugs

Reproductive health

Skin conditions treatments

Substance abuse treatment

Vaccines and immunisation

Vitamin and mineral supplements

Tests & investigations

Information and guidance about tests and an easy, fast and accurate symptom checker.

About tests & investigations

Symptom checker

Blood tests

BMI calculator

Pregnancy due date calculator

General signs and symptoms

Patient health questionnaire

Generalised anxiety disorder assessment

Medical professional hub

Information and tools written by clinicians for medical professionals, and training resources provided by FourteenFish.

Content for medical professionals

FourteenFish training

Professional articles

Evidence-based professional reference pages authored by our clinical team for the use of medical professionals.

View all professional articles A-Z

Actinic keratosis

Bronchiolitis

Molluscum contagiosum

Obesity in adults

Osmolality, osmolarity, and fluid homeostasis

Recurrent abdominal pain in children

Medical tools and resources

Clinical tools for medical professional use.

All medical tools and resources

Hyoscine for travel sickness

Joy rides, kwells, scopoderm.

Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani Last updated by Michael Stewart, MRPharmS Last updated 21 Nov 2022

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

Follow the dosage directions on the label or pack. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

If you are taking tablets, take a dose about 30 minutes before you travel.

If you have been prescribed a patch, apply it to the skin behind your ear 5-6 hours before your journey starts.

Hyoscine may make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.

In this article :

About hyoscine, before taking hyoscine, how to use hyoscine, getting the most from your treatment, can hyoscine cause problems, how to store hyoscine, important information about all medicines.

Continue reading below

Hyoscine is an effective medicine for travel sickness . It works by preventing the confusing messages going to your brain.

There are a number of different brands of tablet available which contain hyoscine as a salt, called hyoscine hydrobromide. You can buy these without a prescription at pharmacies. There are two strengths of tablets available: 300 microgram tablets for adults, and 150 microgram tablets for children. The dose for younger children will require halving a tablet.

There is also a product called Scopoderm® 1.5 mg patch. This is a patch for people aged 10 years or over. You stick the patch on to the skin behind your ear 5-6 hours before your journey, and then remove it at the end of the journey. The patch releases hyoscine through your skin and into your bloodstream.

One of the other effects of hyoscine is that it causes a dry mouth. It is sometimes prescribed by doctors for this reason, rather than to prevent travel sickness.

There is also a similar-sounding medicine called hyoscine butylbromide. This is an antispasmodic medicine which is used to relieve pain caused by tummy (abdominal) cramps. There is more information about this in a separate medicine leaflet called Hyoscine butylbromide tablets .

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you (or your child) start taking hyoscine, it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are unwell and have a high temperature (fever).

If you have digestive system problems such as reflux disease, diarrhoea, or ulcerative colitis.

If you have an eye condition called glaucoma.

If you have high blood pressure, a fast heart rate, or any other heart problems.

If you have problems with your liver, kidneys or prostate gland.

If you have epilepsy.

If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.

If you have Down's syndrome.

If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about hyoscine, including a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

Recommended doses are as follows:

For adults and children over 10 years of age: 150-300 micrograms.

For those aged 4-10 years: 75-150 micrograms.

For those aged 3-4 years: 75 micrograms.

You should take a dose of tablets 30-60 minutes before the start of the journey, and then repeat the dose after six hours if needed. There is a maximum number of tablets that can be taken in any 24-hour period, so remember to check the directions on the label carefully to make sure that you (or your child) do not take more than the recommended daily amount.

Read the label on the pack carefully to see whether the tablets should be sucked or chewed, or simply swallowed with a drink of water.

If you have been prescribed Scopoderm® 1.5 mg patches:

Stick one patch to the skin just behind your ear 5-6 hours before the start of your journey and remember to remove it after your arrival.

The effect of the patch can last up to 72 hours, so it is suitable for people taking long journeys.

Once removed, fold the patch in half so it sticks together and dispose of it carefully.

Remember to wash your hands after handling the patches, and also it is important to clean behind your ear after you have removed the patch. This is to make sure you remove any remaining traces of hyoscine from your skin.

Do not apply more than one patch at a time and do not cut the patches unless your doctor or a pharmacist tells you to.

Hyoscine can make you sleepy, and if you are using the patches, you may still feel sleepy the following day. If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines until you feel well again. Also, avoid drinking alcohol, as this will increase the feelings of sleepiness.

When you buy any medicines, you should always check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside your other medicines. This is particularly important with hyoscine because it can increase the side-effects from some other treatments.

Other things which can help to prevent travel sickness are:

Looking out of a window or sitting with your head tilted slightly backwards.

Taking regular breaks in your journey to have some fresh air and drink some cold water.

Breathing deeply and slowly while you listen to music.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with hyoscine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: on rare occasions more serious side-effects can occur when using hyoscine hydrobromide patches (Scopoderm ® patches). This is more likely if using the patches in a way the manufacturer did not intend, for example cutting patches or using more than one patch. People using hyoscine patches, or their carers, should be alert for signs that the dose is too high. These can include: a high temperature (fever), difficulty passing urine, confusion, disorientation, seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), fits or convulsions, reduced consciousness and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, remove the patch(es) immediately and seek medical help.

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Never take more than the recommended dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Report side effects to a medicine or vaccine

If you experience side effects, you can report them online through the Yellow Card website .

Further reading and references

• Manufacturer's PIL, Kwells® Kids ; Dexcel Pharma Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2022.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Kwells® 300 microgram tablets ; Dexcel Pharma Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2022.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Joy-Rides® Tablets ; Teva UK Limited, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2020.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Scopoderm® 1.5 mg Patch ; GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2021.
• Medicines Complete BNF 87th Edition ; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Article History

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 20 Nov 2025

21 nov 2022 | latest version.

Last updated by

Peer reviewed by

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

Share via email

There is a total of 5 error s on this form, details are below.

• Please enter your name
• Please enter your email
• Your email is invalid. Please check and try again
• Please enter recipient's email
• Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again
• Agree to Terms required

Error: This is required

Error: Not a valid value

Brand name: Kwells TM

Active ingredients: hyoscine hydrobromide

Choose your pack

What it is used for

For the prevention of travel sickness .

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.

• Store below 30 degrees Celsius
• Shelf lifetime is 3 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

Pale pink, biplanar, bevelled edges with crossed break bars on top surface.

Do I need a prescription?

What is the medicines and poisons schedule.

This medicine is available from a pharmacy without prescription. It is Schedule 2 : Pharmacy Medicine. open tool tip to find out more

This medicine contains the active ingredients:

• hyoscine hydrobromide

If you are over 65 years of age, there may be specific risks and recommendations for use of this medicine. Please discuss your individual circumstances with your pharmacist, doctor or health professional. For more information read our page on medication safety for older people .

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient hyoscine hydrobromide

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

For the prevention of travel sickness

• Store below 25 degrees Celsius
• Shelf lifetime is 36 Months.

Small pink circular flat faced tablet with bevelled edges and a single break bar on one side

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Travel sickness self-care - MyDr.com.au

Travel or motion sickness may occur in any type of moving vehicle, such as a car, boat or plane. Find out what products are available for travel sickness.

Read more on myDr website

Motion sickness - MyDr.com.au

Many people eventually grow out of motion sickness (travel sickness), but for those who don’t there are treatments available and things you can do to help prevent it and ease the symptoms.

Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited

Support for this browser is being discontinued

Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site

• Internet Explorer 11 and lower

We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:

• Chrome by Google
• Firefox by Mozilla
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari by Apple

You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.

• Skip to content
• Accessibility help

Currently viewing BNF . BNF switch to BNFC

Hyoscine hydrobromide

Interactions.

View interactions for hyoscine

Medicinal forms and pricing

There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug.

Forms available from special-order manufacturers include: oral suspension, oral solution, eye drops.

View all medicinal forms and pricing information

Or jump straight to:

• Oral tablet
• Solution for injection
• Transdermal patch

Indications and dose

For hyoscine hydrobromide, motion sickness for hyoscine hydrobromide, by transdermal application, hypersalivation associated with clozapine therapy for hyoscine hydrobromide, excessive respiratory secretion in palliative care for hyoscine hydrobromide, by subcutaneous injection, by continuous subcutaneous infusion, bowel colic in palliative care for hyoscine hydrobromide, by subcutaneous infusion, bowel colic pain in palliative care for hyoscine hydrobromide, by mouth using sublingual tablets, premedication for hyoscine hydrobromide, by subcutaneous injection, or by intramuscular injection, unlicensed use, unlicensed use for hyoscine hydrobromide, in children:.

Not licensed for use in excessive respiratory secretions or hypersalivation associated with clozapine therapy.

Not licensed for hypersalivation associated with clozapine therapy.

Important safety information

Important safety information for hyoscine hydrobromide.

Antimuscarinic drugs used for premedication to general anaesthesia should only be administered by, or under the direct supervision of, personnel experienced in their use.

MHRA/CHM advice: Hyoscine hydrobromide patches ( Scopoderm ® 1.5 mg patch or Scopoderm ® TTS patch): risk of anticholinergic side effects, including hyperthermia (July 2023)

With transdermal use:.

There has been a small number of reports of serious and life-threatening anticholinergic side-effects associated with the use of hyoscine hydrobromide patches, including a fatality from hyperthermia in a child, particularly with unlicensed use. These side-effects (which include hyperthermia, urinary retention, delirium, hallucinations, seizures, respiratory paralysis, and coma) may persist for 24 hours or longer after patch removal as the drug in the skin continues to enter the bloodstream.

Healthcare professionals are reminded to:

• be alert for potential signs and symptoms of anticholinergic side-effects, particularly with unlicensed use, and to manage promptly if they occur;
• be aware that children and the elderly are more susceptible to anticholinergic toxicity;
• counsel patients and their carers to seek immediate medical attention and remove the patch if signs and symptoms of serious anticholinergic side-effects occur; immediate action should also be taken to reduce body heat if a high temperature develops.

Contra-indications

Contra-indications for all antimuscarinics (systemic).

Angle-closure glaucoma; gastro-intestinal obstruction; intestinal atony; myasthenia gravis (but some antimuscarinics may be used to decrease muscarinic side-effects of anticholinesterases); paralytic ileus; pyloric stenosis; severe ulcerative colitis; significant bladder outflow obstruction; toxic megacolon; urinary retention

Cautions For all antimuscarinics (systemic)

Acute myocardial infarction (in adults); arrhythmias (may be worsened); autonomic neuropathy; cardiac insufficiency (due to association with tachycardia); cardiac surgery (due to association with tachycardia); children (increased risk of side-effects) (in children); conditions characterised by tachycardia; congestive heart failure (may be worsened); coronary artery disease (may be worsened); diarrhoea; elderly (especially if frail) (in adults); gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; hiatus hernia with reflux oesophagitis; hypertension; hyperthyroidism (due to association with tachycardia); individuals susceptible to angle-closure glaucoma; prostatic hyperplasia (in adults); pyrexia; ulcerative colitis

Cautions, further information

Prescription potentially inappropriate (STOPP criteria):

• to treat extrapyramidal side-effects of antipsychotic medications (risk of antimuscarinic toxicity)
• with delirium or dementia (risk of exacerbation of cognitive impairment), narrow-angle glaucoma (risk of acute exacerbation of glaucoma), or chronic prostatism (risk of urinary retention)
• if two or more antimuscarinic drugs prescribed concomitantly (risk of increased antimuscarinic toxicity)

See also Prescribing in the elderly .

Cautions For hyoscine hydrobromide

Anticholinergic syndrome, with systemic use in adults:.

In some patients, especially the elderly, hyoscine may cause the central anticholinergic syndrome (excitement, ataxia, hallucinations, behavioural abnormalities, and drowsiness).

With systemic use in children:

In some children hyoscine may cause the central anticholinergic syndrome (excitement, ataxia, hallucinations, behavioural abnormalities, and drowsiness).

Side-effects

Side-effects for all antimuscarinics (systemic), common or very common.

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; dyspepsia; flushing; headache; nausea; palpitations; skin reactions; tachycardia; urinary disorders; vision disorders; vomiting

Rare or very rare

Angioedema; confusion (more common in elderly)

Side-effects For hyoscine hydrobromide

With transdermal use.

Eye disorders; eyelid irritation

Concentration impaired; glaucoma; hallucinations; memory impairment; restlessness

Frequency not known

With oral use.

Asthma; cardiovascular disorders; central nervous system stimulation; gastrointestinal disorder; hallucination; hypersensitivity; hyperthermia; hypohidrosis; mydriasis; oedema; respiratory tract reaction; restlessness; seizure

With parenteral use

Agitation; angle closure glaucoma; arrhythmias; delirium; dysphagia; dyspnoea; epilepsy exacerbated; hallucination; hypersensitivity; idiosyncratic drug reaction; loss of consciousness; mydriasis; neuroleptic malignant syndrome; psychotic disorder; thirst

Balance impaired; coma; delirium; hyperthermia; respiratory paralysis; seizure

Pregnancy For hyoscine hydrobromide

Use only if potential benefit outweighs risk. Injection may depress neonatal respiration.

Breast feeding

Breast feeding for hyoscine hydrobromide.

Amount too small to be harmful.

Hepatic impairment

Hepatic impairment for hyoscine hydrobromide.

Manufacturer advises caution.

Renal impairment

Renal impairment for hyoscine hydrobromide.

Use with caution. M

Directions for administration

Directions for administration for hyoscine hydrobromide, with transdermal use in children:.

Expert sources advise patch applied to hairless area of skin behind ear; if less than whole patch required either cut with scissors along full thickness ensuring membrane is not peeled away or cover portion to prevent contact with skin.

With oral use in children:

For administration by mouth , expert sources advise injection solution may be given orally.

Palliative care

Palliative care for hyoscine hydrobromide.

For further information on the use of hyoscine hydrobromide in palliative care, see https://www.medicinescomplete.com/#/content/palliative/hyoscine-hydrobromide .

Patient and carer advice

Patient and carer advice for all antimuscarinics (systemic), driving and skilled tasks.

Antimuscarinics can affect the performance of skilled tasks (e.g. driving).

Patient and carer advice For hyoscine hydrobromide

Explain accompanying instructions to patient and in particular emphasise advice to wash hands after handling and to wash application site after removing, and to use one patch at a time.

Medicines for Children leaflet: Hyoscine hydrobromide patches to reduce saliva production

https://www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/medicines/hyoscine-hydrobromide-patches-to-reduce-saliva-production/

Drowsiness may persist for up to 24 hours or longer after removal of patch; effects of alcohol enhanced.

Medicinal forms

Related treatment summaries.

• Nausea and labyrinth disorders
• Pre-medication and peri-operative drugs

Other drugs in class

Other drugs in class antimuscarinics, other.

• Aclidinium bromide
• Aclidinium bromide with formoterol
• Atropine sulfate
• Beclometasone with formoterol and glycopyrronium
• Cyclopentolate hydrochloride
• Dicycloverine hydrochloride
• Dicycloverine hydrochloride with aluminium hydroxide, magnesium oxide and simeticone
• Fluticasone with umeclidinium and vilanterol
• Formoterol fumarate with glycopyrronium and budesonide
• Glycopyrronium bromide
• Glycopyrronium with formoterol fumarate
• Glycopyrronium with indacaterol
• Homatropine hydrobromide
• Hyoscine butylbromide
• Ipratropium bromide
• Ipratropium with salbutamol
• Mometasone furoate with glycopyrronium bromide and indacaterol
• Neostigmine with glycopyrronium bromide
• Orphenadrine hydrochloride
• Phenylephrine with tropicamide
• Procyclidine hydrochloride
• Propantheline bromide
• Tiotropium with olodaterol
• Trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride
• Tropicamide
• Tropicamide with phenylephrine and lidocaine
• Umeclidinium
• Umeclidinium with vilanterol

The content on the NICE BNF site (BNF) is the copyright of BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. By using BNF, you agree to the licence set out in the BNF Publications End User Licence Agreement .

Kwells 300 microgram tablets

Kwells kids 150 microgram tablets.

• Travel Sickness
• Motion Sickness
• Sea Sickness
• Car Sickness

Kwells Kids 150 microgram tablets are used for the fast and effective prevention and control of travel sickness.

Travel sickness happens when the brain receives mixed messages. Visual messages from the eyes inform the brain that the immediate surroundings are stationary, but a delicate balancing organ in the ear tells the brain that you are moving. This conflicting information triggers the nausea we associate with travel sickness.

More about this product

Hyoscine Hydrobromide 150mcg | Prevention of travel sickness | 12 tablets | For ages 4+

The active substance in Kwells Kids tablets is hyoscine hydrobromide. Hyoscine hydrobromide temporarily reduces the effect of movement on the balance organs of the inner ear and the nerves responsible for nausea.

Because Kwells Kids 150 microgram tablets melt in the mouth, absorption into the bloodstream is very rapid and they can be taken up to 20–30 minutes before travelling or at the onset of sickness.

Kwells Kids 150 microgram tablets. For the prevention of travel sickness. Contains Hyoscine Hydrobromide 150mcg. Always read the label.  

Directions for use

If Hyoscine hydrobromide has been prescribed to your child by their doctor, follow any instructions he/she may have given you.

If you have purchased Kwells tablets, follow these directions closely:

The tablets can be sucked, chewed or swallowed. They have a scoreline so they can be halved if necessary. The tablets can be taken up to 30 minutes before travelling to prevent travel sickness or at the onset of nausea.

Children 4 to 10 years:  Give your child half or one tablet every 6 hours, as required. Do not give your child this medicine more than 3 times in 24 hours.

Children over 10 years: Give your child one or two tablets every 6 hours, as required. Do not give your child this medicine more than 3 times in 24 hours.

Kwells Kids tablets should not be given to children under 4 years of age.

Click here for more information

Frequently Asked Questions

Kwells Kids 150 microgram tablets are used for the fast and effective prevention and control of travel sickness. Travel sickness happens when the brain receives mixed messages. Visual messages from the eyes inform the brain that the immediate surroundings are stationary but a delicate balancing organ in the ear tells the brain that you are moving. This conflicting information triggers the nausea we associate with travel sickness.

Because Kwells Kids tablets melt in the mouth, absorption into the bloodstream is very rapid and cab be taken up to 20-30 minutes before travelling or at the onset of sickness.

Hyoscine hydrobromide is taken to prevent and control travel sickness.

DO NOT give Kwells Kids 150 microgram tablets to your child if he or she :

Is allergic (hypersensitive) to hyoscine hydrobromide or any of the other ingredients in the tablets which are: Mannitol (E421), potato starch, gelatine powder, aluminium stearate, saccharin sodium (E954) and ferric oxide (E172).

Has any of the following conditions:

• Blockage of the intestines (Paralytic ileus)
• Narrowing of the stomach outlet (Pyloric stenosis)
• Myasthenia gravis
• Enlarged prostate gland

You should see your doctor if he or she:

• Is under medical care, especially for heart, metabolic, gastrointestinal, liver or kidney conditions.
• Has previously had a sudden painful inability to pass urine.
• Has ulcerative colitis.
• Has diarrhoea or fever.
• Has Down’s Syndrome.
• Suffers from seizures or fits.

Additional precautions:

This product should only be given to children over 4 years old. Since it may cause drowsiness, children taking this medicine, should not be left unattended.

1 https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hyoscine-hydrobromide/

If Kwells Kids tablets has been prescribed for your child by a doctor, follow any instructions he/she may have given you. If purchased this product without prescription, follow these directions closely:

Children over 10 years:  Give your child one or two tablets every 6 hours, as required. Do not give your child this medicine more than 3 times in 24 hours.

Children 4 to 10 years:  Give your child half or one tablet every 6 hours as required. Do not give your child this medicine more than 3 times in 24 hours. Kwells Kids tablets should not be given to children under 4 years of age.

Like all medicines, Kwells Kids tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Some people have experienced blurred vision, dilated pupils, dry mouth, drowsiness and dizziness. Your child may also experience an increased body temperature due to decreased sweating.

Less frequently, there have been reports of restlessness, hallucinations and confusion.

If you child is epileptic, he or she might suffer from increased seizure frequency.

As with all medicines, some people may be allergic to the tablets. If your child is allergic,he or she might experience difficulty in breathing, coughing, wheezing or symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling.

If your child experiences any of these effects or react badly to the tablets in any other way, tell your doctor immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include: fast or irregular heart-beat, difficulty passing water, bllurred vision or dislike of bright light. Hallucinations may occur. If you have any of these symptoms or have taken more than the recommended dose, tell your doctor or contact your nearest Accident and Emergency Department immediately.

If you or your child get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App store.

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking or has recently taken any other medicines including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Do not  give Kwells Kids tablets to your child if he or she is taking any of the following medicines, unless advised by your doctor:

• Amantadine (an antiviral)
• Antihistamines
• Antipsychotics
• Antidepressants
• Linezolid (an antibiotic)
• Domperidone and metoclopramide (for nausea and vomiting)
• Sublingual nitrates (for angina)

Other Kwells Products

Kwells 300 microgram tablets are used for the fast and effective prevention and control of travel sickness. Travel sickness happens when the brain receives mixed messages. Visual messages from the eyes inform the brain that the immediate surroundings are stationary, but a delicate balancing organ in the ear tells the brain that you are moving. This conflicting information triggers the nausea we associate with travel sickness.

Kwells Kids 150 microgram tablets. For the prevention of travel sickness, suitable for adults and children aged 10+. Contains Hyoscine Hydrobromide 150 microgram. Always read the label

Travel Happy Tips

Motion Sickness and Rollercoasters

Ever wondered how you found amusement parks such a carefree thrill when you were younger – but now just the very thought leaves you feeling a little queasy?

How do travel sickness tablets work?

Ever wondered how travel sickness tablets work to prevent or relieve motion sickness? Find out here.

How to cope with motion sickness while skiing

Learn the best ways to cope with motion sickness when skiing.

Autism and Travel Sickness: Tips for Managing Motion Sickness on the Go

Find out the link between autism and travel sickness.

Top tips to avoid travel sickness on your Christmas holidays

You’ve taken the plunge and booked a holiday on the high seas! Anticipating your first cruise is incredibly exciting…

Privacy Overview

Online Doctor and Pharmacy

Contact Dr Fox

• T: 0117 2050198
• E: [email protected]
• How it works
• Editorial policy
• Login/Register
• FAQs : Travel sickness

Why do I get travel sickness?

Why doesn't everyone get travel sickness, what are the symptoms of travel sickness, what can i do about travel sickness apart from taking medicines, what medicines help travel sickness, how do i use scopoderm patches, which travel sickness medicine will work best for me, i am over 60 years, which travel sickness treatment is best for me, i take other medicines - can i take travel sickness medication, can i drink alcohol with travel sickness medicines, i'm pregnant or breastfeeding - can i take travel sickness medication, can i drive whilst taking travel sickness medication, i have sensitive skin - can i use the scopoderm patches, i have a sticky plaster allergy - can i use scopoderm patches, are the side effects of the medicines worse than the travel sickness, is there lactose in travel sickness pills.

Travel sickness is caused by a mismatch of signals to the brain between your eyes and the balance mechanism in your inner ear. The brain is confused and reacts with symptoms of travel sickness.

Scientists still don't have the answer to this one, though it seems that women and migraine sufferers are more likely to develop motion sickness. There is a suggestion that it runs in families and that our bodies can adapt and become less susceptible. In particular, seasick sailors will often acclimatise after 3 or 4 days at sea.

The main symptoms of travel sickness are pale, cold, sweaty skin, dizziness, and vomiting. The sufferer will tend to become quiet and withdrawn. If it becomes very severe, especially with a prolonged sea sickness, you can also suffer from headache, lethargy, lack of concentration, and repeated vomiting leading to dehydration.

You can try several other things as well as, or instead of, medicines - they include:

• Sitting in a calmer part of the car, boat, or plane such as the front seat, centre of the boat, or by the wing on a plane.
• Focusing your eyes on the distance or the route ahead by steering the boat or driving (only if not severely affected).
• Stay in fresh air either outside or with an open window.
• Sleeping or resting with your eyes closed.
• Don't focus on close objects such as looking at screens or reading.
• Do not eat heavy spicy meals or take alcohol, and avoid cooking smells.
• Break up the journey if possible.
• You can buy acupressure bands and anti-motion sickness glasses which some people find helpful.

Dr Fox supplies hyoscine, promethazine, and cinnarizine to treat travel sickness. Hyoscine can be used as a patch ( Scopoderm ) or tablets ( Kwells ). Promethazine ( Avomine ) and cinnarizine ( Stugeron ) are tablets. All treatments are most effective if started before you travel and feel unwell but may help to improve symptoms if you are already feeling sick.

The patch is stuck on the skin behind your ear and lasts for 3 days. After this it should be removed and a new patch placed behind the other ear if required. More details on the Scopoderm page and in the Scopoderm patient leaflet . It is important to remove one patch before starting another to prevent overdose and also to wash your hands after touching the patch. Avoid touching your eyes after handling the patch.

Dr Fox offers three different tablets and patches. The table below shows the major differences. It depends on the length of your intended journey. Some people will get on better with one tablet than another, or prefer to use a patch.

If over 60 you should NOT take Kwells (hyoscine) or use Scopoderm patches (hyoscine) without discussing with your regular doctor first. You can take the antihistamine tablets, either Avomine (promethazine) or Stugeron (cinnarizine). If you are also taking other medicines or have certain medical conditions you may not be able to take these either. Checks are carried out during the online medical consultation .

Anti-travel sickness medications can interact with some other tablets and medicines. Checks are carried out during the online medical consultation , but you should also read the patient information leaflet and if in doubt check with your usual doctor.

Alcohol should not be taken with any of the travel sickness medications.

Please discuss with your regular doctor if you suffer from severe travel sickness and are pregnant or breastfeeding. The medications supplied by Dr Fox are not recommended to be taken when pregnant or breastfeeding. However in cases of extreme morning sickness - Hyperemesis gravidarum, doctors do occasionally prescribe similar medications. This is a specialist area and Dr Fox does not prescribe in pregnancy or to breastfeeding mums.

Further information

• Medicines in pregnancy - Hyoscine (Scopoderm, Kwells)
• Medicines in pregnancy - Promethazine (Avomine)

All travel sickness medications can cause drowsiness and so you should not take them and drive, until you are sure that your body has adjusted to them, usually after a few days. Often the driver of a vehicle feels less travel sick as they are concentrating on the road ahead and there is less mismatch of movement signals to the brain. Do not drive if you are feeling very travel sick.

Some people with sensitive skin do develop itching and soreness at the site of the patch. If this happens it will affect the absorption so the patch should be removed and an alternative travel sickness medication used instead.

If you have a known plaster/patch allergy, it would be preferable to choose an alternative anti-sickness method.

There are a lot of potential side effects from these medications but in reality most people do not have many problems and the medication enables them to undertake journeys which would otherwise be very miserable. If you suffer badly from travel sickness, and have already tried the non medical methods, then it would definitely be worth looking at the product information pages ( Scopoderm , Kwells , Avomine , Stugeron ) to see if there is a suitable option for you to try.

• There is no lactose in Kwells.
• Avomine contains lactose.
• Stugeron contains lactose and sucrose.

Authored 23 September 2020 by Dr A. Wood MB ChB Manchester University 1984. NHS GP in Bristol. GMC no. 2855422

Reviewed by Dr C. Pugh , Dr B. Babor Last reviewed 04 August 2023 Last updated 1 May 2024 Editorial policy

• Travel sickness
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter