Dimenhydrinate

Common Name: dimenhydrinate

How does Dimenhydrinate work?

Dimenhydrinate belongs to a group of medications called antiemetics. This medication is used to prevent and treat motion sickness as well as nausea and vomiting associated with various conditions. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Dimenhydrinate?

Motion sickness: The initial dose should be taken at least 30 minutes and preferably 1 to 2 hours before departure. The usual adult dose is 50 mg to 100 mg taken every 4 hours as needed. Do not exceed the recommended maximum dose of 400 mg over a 24-hour period. For adults requiring extended relief, 1 to 2 of the 75 mg long-acting capsules (or caplets) may be taken every 8 hours. Do not take more than the recommended maximum of 5 capsules (or caplets) over a 24-hour period. The usual adult dose of dimenhydrinate suppository is 50 mg to 100 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Pre-radiation therapy (radiation sickness): 50 mg to 100 mg of dimenhydrinate may be given as a suppository or injection, 30 to 60 minutes before receiving radiation therapy. This dose may be repeated as needed up to a maximum of 400 mg over a 24-hour period. Surgery: To control nausea and vomiting following surgery, 50 mg to 100 mg given by mouth or 50 mg of injection into a muscle may be used before surgery, as well as following surgery using similar doses as needed. Do not exceed the recommended maximum dose of 400 mg over a 24-hour period. Children: For children two years of age and over, your doctor will prescribe doses of dimenhydrinate based on age and body weight. This medication should not be used for children or infants less than one year of age. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

What form(s) does Dimenhydrinate come in?

Dimenhydrinate is available in various strengths depending on the dosage form and brand used. This medication is available in different dosage forms: tablets, capsules, caplets, syrup, liquid, suppositories, and injection. Nonmedicinal ingredients will vary depending on the dosage form and brand used.

What should I NOT take with Dimenhydrinate?

Dimendydrinate should not be used by anyone with: glaucoma chronic lung disease difficulty passing urine due to an enlarged prostate (prostatic hypertrophy)

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Dimenhydrinate?

Alcohol: Alcohol may increase side effects such as sedation with dimenhydrinate and should be avoided when using this medication. Occupational hazards: Dimenhydrinate may impair the mental or physical abilities needed for activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Alcohol and other sedating drugs may increase the risk of sedation with dimenhydrinate. Caution should be taken when undertaking any activities requiring alertness. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking dimenhydrinate if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or are planning to become pregnant, or breast-feed. Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.