Quick Answer
For short journeys, take one Avomine 25mg tablet 1–2 hours before you travel. For long journeys, take one tablet at bedtime the night before travelling. Avomine usually starts working within 30–60 minutes and lasts for several hours, so it's best taken before symptoms begin.
What Is Avomine and How Does It Work?
Avomine Tablets contain Promethazine Teoclate 25mg, an antihistamine that also works as an anti-emetic (anti-sickness medicine). It is commonly used to prevent and treat travel sickness, nausea, vomiting and vertigo.
Along with preventing motion sickness, Avomine has a sedating effect. This is one reason it works so effectively against travel sickness, but it also means you should carefully plan when to take your dose.
Avomine is a Pharmacy (P) medicine, meaning it can be purchased without a prescription from a pharmacy. Your pharmacist may ask a few questions to ensure it is suitable for you before supplying it.
Avomine Dosage: How Much and When to Take It
The correct dosage depends on whether you're taking Avomine to prevent travel sickness before your journey or to treat symptoms that have already started.
Preventing Travel Sickness (Adults)
- Long journeys: Take one tablet at bedtime on the night before travelling.
- Short journeys: Take one tablet 1–2 hours before setting off.
Treating Travel Sickness After Symptoms Begin (Adults)
- Take one tablet as soon as symptoms appear.
- Take a second tablet the same evening if needed.
- A third tablet may be taken the following evening if symptoms continue.
Children's Dosage
- Children aged 5–10 years: Half a tablet taken 1–2 hours before travelling.
- Children over 10 years: One tablet (lower adult dose).
- Children under 5 years: Only use under the advice of a healthcare professional. Always read the patient information leaflet included with the medicine.
These recommendations are based on the manufacturer's patient information leaflet and are intended as general guidance. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine and consult your pharmacist if you're unsure whether Avomine is suitable for you or your child.
How Long Before Travelling Should You Take Avomine?
The best time to take Avomine depends on the length of your journey.
- Short journeys: Take one tablet 1–2 hours before travelling to allow enough time for the medicine to start working.
- Long journeys: Take one tablet at bedtime on the night before your trip. This ensures the medicine is already active when your journey begins and also makes use of its natural sedative effect to help you sleep before travelling.
Taking Avomine before symptoms begin provides the best protection against travel sickness. Waiting until you already feel unwell may reduce its effectiveness.
How Long Does Avomine Take to Work and How Long Does It Last?
Most people begin to feel the effects of Avomine within 30–60 minutes of taking a tablet.
The medicine continues working for several hours, making a single dose suitable for many short journeys. For longer trips, additional doses may be required according to the recommended dosage instructions.
If you've never taken Avomine before, consider trying your first dose at home before an important journey so you know how it affects you, particularly because it can cause drowsiness.
Do not take Avomine continuously for more than 7 days unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms continue beyond this period, seek medical advice.
Avomine Side Effects and Precautions
Like all medicines, Avomine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
The most common side effect is drowsiness, which may affect your concentration, reaction time and ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Other possible side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating
Stop using the medicine and seek medical advice immediately if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, severe dizziness or any unexpected symptoms.
Speak to a Healthcare Professional Before Taking Avomine If You Have:
- Asthma or other breathing problems
- Bronchitis
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- An enlarged prostate
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Heart problems
Avomine is generally not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless specifically advised by your doctor.
It should never be given to children under 2 years of age.
Can You Take Avomine With Alcohol or Other Medicines?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Avomine. Alcohol can significantly increase drowsiness and make the sedative effects much stronger.
Avomine may also interact with other medicines that cause sleepiness, including:
- Sleeping tablets
- Strong painkillers (opioids)
- Other antihistamines
- Certain antidepressants
- Some anxiety medicines
Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any medicines, supplements or herbal products you're taking before using Avomine.
Summary
Avomine is an effective treatment for preventing and relieving travel sickness when taken at the correct time. For short journeys, take one tablet 1–2 hours before travelling. For long journeys, take one tablet at bedtime the night before. Because the medicine can cause drowsiness, avoid alcohol and do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine and consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you have any questions about its use.