Phenytoin as a countermeasure for motion sickness in NASA maritime operations

Abstract

Seasickness is the most prevalent form of motion sickness and is an operational problem during Space Shuttle Solid-fueled Rocket Booster (SRB) retrieval. Phenytoin has been shown to protect against motion sickness induced by Coriolis stress. We exposed SRB recovery personnel to off-vertical rotation and sea motion after phenytoin or placebo. Phenytoin blood levels of at least 9 micrograms/ml were protective against motion sickness at sea. No change in susceptibility to nitrogen narcosis was seen in divers in chamber tests at 460 KPa. Phenytoin was used during performance of critical and hazardous tasks during training and actual SRB recovery operations. Phenytoin is an effective operational countermeasure for motion sickness for selected SRB crewmembers.