Dimenhydrinate
About Dimenhydrinate
Dimenhydrinate is used to prevent and treat nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), and dizziness caused by motion sickness. Besides this, it is also used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with radiation sickness, surgery, and drug-induced Meniere disease (feelings of spinning and inner ear problems). Motion sickness is an illness caused by motion during travel, characterised by nausea and vomiting.
Dimenhydrinate contains Dimenhydrinate, which acts as both an antihistamine and an anticholinergic. It works by blocking histamine (H₁) receptors and muscarinic (M₁) receptors in the brain areas that control balance and nausea. This helps reduce the signals that cause motion sickness, leading to relief from nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Dimenhydrinate may cause side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, tiredness, disorientation, tinnitus, palpitations, and low blood pressure (hypotension). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, seek medical attention immediately if these side effects persist or worsen.
Notify your doctor if you have breathing problems (asthma, emphysema), high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), seizures (fits), liver, kidney, heart problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or sleep apnea (sleeping disorder). Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Dimenhydrinate should not be given to children below 2 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Dimenhydrinate may cause dizziness, so drive or operate heavy machinery only if you are alert.
Uses of Dimenhydrinate
• Motion Sickness Relief: Dimenhydrinate is effectively used to prevent and treat symptoms of motion sickness, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness during travel by car, plane, or boat.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Dimenhydrinate can be used to alleviate nausea and vomiting that may occur due to other conditions, such as migraine headaches or certain gastrointestinal disorders.
• Postoperative Nausea: Dimenhydrinate is often administered to reduce nausea and vomiting after surgical procedures due to anesthesia.
• Vertigo Management: Dimenhydrinate can help manage vertigo symptoms, which are often associated with inner ear disorders.
Medicinal Benefits
Dimenhydrinate contains Dimenhydrinate, which helps prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness, vertigo, radiation sickness, surgery, and drug-induced Meniere’s disease by calming the brain areas that control balance and nausea.
Directions for Use
- Dimenhydrinate can be taken with or without food.
- Take the first dose 30 to 60 minutes before travelling or starting any motion-related activity if using it for motion sickness.
- It is typically administered every 4-6 hours as needed, or as directed by your doctor.
- Swallow Dimenhydrinate as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the medication.
Storage
Side Effects of Dimenhydrinate
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tiredness
Drug Warnings
Do not take Dimenhydrinate if you are allergic to any of its contents. Before taking Dimenhydrinate, please tell your doctor if you are using any antidepressants. Dimenhydrinate is not intended for prolonged use unless prescribed by a physician. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Antihistamine overdosage may cause hallucinations, convulsions, or death, especially in infants and children; it also produces excitation in younger children. So, dose adjustments may be necessary if prescribed to children. Dimenhydrinate should not be given to children below 2 years of age and patients who are unconscious or have severe drowsiness, dizziness, or headache. Inform your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, asthma or bronchitis (lung problems), epilepsy (fits), severe heart problems, liver or kidney problems, a stomach blockage, hearing problems, or increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma).
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Dimenhydrinate may interact with other antihistamines (loratadine, diphenhydramine, cetirizine), pain relievers (codeine, morphine, hydrocodone), antidepressants (amitriptyline, imipramine), sedatives (diazepam and zolpidem), and antibiotics (gentamicin).
Drug-food interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Dimenhydrinate, as it may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.
Drug-disease interactions: Dimenhydrinate should be used with caution in patients with respiratory diseases (such as asthma), liver or kidney problems, severe heart conditions, sleep disorders, seizures, and hearing problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Dimenhydrinate, as it may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionDimenhydrinate is a pregnancy category B drug. Please consult your doctor before taking Dimenhydrinate if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Dimenhydrinate.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether Dimenhydrinate passes into breast milk or harms a nursing baby. Please consult your doctor before taking Dimenhydrinate if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionDimenhydrinate may cause drowsiness and dizziness. So, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while using Dimenhydrinate.
Liver
cautionDimenhydrinate should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Please consult your doctor before taking Dimenhydrinate. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Dimenhydrinate.
Kidney
cautionDimenhydrinate should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Please consult your doctor before taking Dimenhydrinate. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing Dimenhydrinate.
Children
cautionDimenhydrinate is not recommended for use in children below 2 years of age. For children above 2 years of age, dose adjustments may be necessary if prescribed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid spicy, greasy, and acidic foods before travelling; it may increase the feeling of sickness.
- Opt for cereals, apples, bananas, or bread.
- Breathe the fresh air, if possible, by opening the window.
- In many cases, a full stomach and excessive heat may worsen the symptoms of motion sickness, so space out your meals and eat light.
- Position yourself where motion is least, like in the front seat of a car, the centre of a boat or ship.
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours before travel and during travel.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Motion sickness: It is an illness caused by motion during travel. It usually occurs when you are travelling by car, boat, plane, or train. Your body's sensory organs send mixed messages to your brain, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea and vomiting. The illness usually goes away when the motion stops. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and tiredness.
FAQs
Dimenhydrinate is used to prevent and treat nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), and dizziness caused by motion sickness. Besides this, it is also used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with radiation sickness, surgery, and drug-induced Meniere disease (feelings of spinning and inner ear problems).
Dimenhydrinate contains Dimenhydrinate, which acts as both an antihistamine and an anticholinergic. It works by blocking histamine (H₁) receptors and muscarinic (M₁) receptors in the brain areas responsible for balance and nausea. This action helps reduce signals that lead to motion sickness, providing relief from nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Yes, the use of Dimenhydrinate can cause dry mouth. If you feel excessively thirsty, increase your fluid intake and avoid consuming spicy and salty foods.
Dimenhydrinate is an anti-sickness medication that takes approximately 30-60 minutes to take effect.
Dimenhydrinate is usually recommended for short-term use. Do not take longer than prescribed unless advised by your doctor.
Dimenhydrinate is generally safe if used as per the prescribed dose and duration. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions.
Dimenhydrinate is generally not addictive when used as prescribed by your doctor. However, it’s important to follow your doctor's instructions to avoid any potential misuse.
No, using Dimenhydrinate together with Cymbalta (which contains Duloxetine) may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. However, consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Yes, Dimenhydrinate can cause drowsiness or tiredness as side effects. It's important to be cautious when taking this medication, especially if you need to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks that require alertness. If you experience excessive drowsiness or tiredness, it's best to avoid such activities.
Yes, Dimenhydrinate has the ability to increase the sedative effects of opiates. Therefore, it's important to use them carefully and under your doctor's supervision because taking them together could increase sleepiness and other sedative effects.
No, Dimenhydrinate does not contain aspirin. The active ingredient in Dimenhydrinate is dimenhydrinate, which is an antihistamine used to treat motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting.
The common side effects of Dimenhydrinate are dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, tiredness, disorientation, tinnitus, palpitation, and low blood pressure (hypotension). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, seek medical attention immediately if these side effects persist or worsen.
