Can I take motion sickness tablets if I have glaucoma?

21/10/2025

Motion sickness during travel is a common discomfort, but not all medications used to relieve it are safe for people with certain eye conditions. In this article, we discuss the relationship between antiemetics for motion sickness and glaucoma, with particular attention to the risks for patients with angle-closure glaucoma.

What is motion sickness? 

Motion sickness, also known as travel sickness (kinetosis), is an unpleasant sensation of unsteadiness accompanied by:

• Nausea
• Cold sweats
• Yawning
• Paleness
• Vomiting

It often occurs in people who are predisposed to it when travelling.

Causes of motion sickness during travel 

This type of dizziness is caused by sudden or external movements, such as those experienced in:

• Cars (acceleration and braking)
• Boats
• Aeroplanes

In fact, it is a balance disorder related to the inner ear, not a visual or neurological problem.

Treating motion sickness: are antiemetics safe? 

People who are very sensitive to motion sickness may benefit from certain antiemetic medications. These are pharmacy-available drugs that generally offer a good balance between effectiveness and safety.

Can you take motion sickness tablets if you have glaucoma? 

The use of medication for motion sickness should be avoided in patients with:

• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Prostate adenoma
• Intestinal or urinary obstructive diseases
• Cardiac rhythm disorders

This is because these medicines have anticholinergic activity, which can worsen these conditions.

If there is any doubt about the type of glaucoma you have, it is essential to consult your ophthalmologist before taking any motion sickness medication.

Antiemetic drugs for motion sickness can pose a risk if you have angle-closure glaucoma. At Clínica Barraquer, we recommend always consulting a specialist before self-medicating, especially for patients with chronic eye diseases.

Dr. Marta Mármol, ophthalmologist at the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre