Volume : 13, Issue : 09, September – 2026

Title:

PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF SPACE MOTION SICKNESS IN ASTRONAUTS: CURRENT EVIDENCE AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Authors :

Subahana Shaji , Amrutha Rajesh , Neeraja Sunil , Sofy Binu

Abstract :

Space motion sickness (SMS) is a common disorder that develops in astronauts during the early phase of spaceflight, mainly due to sensory conflict following exposure to microgravity. Symptomatic nausea, vomiting, dizziness and disorientation can affect both astronaut comfort and operational performance. Pharmacologic therapy remains an important strategy in managing these symptoms and drugs such as scopolamine, promethazine and meclizine are commonly used. These drugs work mainly by anticholinergic and antihistaminic mechanisms to reduce vestibular signaling and to prevent nausea and vomiting. However, adverse effects, especially sedation, drowsiness and impairment of cognitive and psychomotor performance, may represent important limitations to their effectiveness in the demanding environment of spaceflight. This narrative review discusses the pathophysiology of space motion sickness, the neuropharmacology of its development and pharmacological management. It also examines the pros and cons of commonly used drugs, stressing the need to balance symptom control with the need to keep astronauts alert and effective.
Keywords – Space Motion Sickness, Astronauts, Microgravity, Scopolamine, Promethazine, Meclizine, Antiemetics, Pharmacological Countermeasures

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Subahana Shaji et al., Pharmacological Management Of Space Motion Sickness In Astronauts: Current Evidence And Future Perspectives. Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(09).

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