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Understanding Dimenhydrinate: A Comprehensive Patient Guide | Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Options Explained

Medication Profile: Dimenhydrinate

Summary or Key Points

Dimenhydrinate, an effective treatment for motion sickness and vertigo, is an antihistamine used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with these conditions. It comes in various forms and strengths, and has specific dosing instructions. Always consult a healthcare provider before adjusting your dose. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to speak to a provider about this medication and its appropriate use for your needs.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate)

A ‘generic name’ is the official medical name for the active ingredient in the medication, which in this case is Dimenhydrinate (shown in parenthesis). The brand name, Dramamine, is the name given by the manufacturer.

Pharmacologic Category

Dimenhydrinate belongs to the class of medications known as antihistamines, specifically those used for their antiemetic properties. Other medications in this category include meclizine (Antivert, Bonine), promethazine (Phenergan), and cyclizine (Marezine).

Dosing

Always consult your healthcare provider or one of our accessible telemedicine experts before adjusting your medication dose. The typical dosing for Dimenhydrinate is as follows:

  • Motion Sickness: Adults can take 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 400 mg in 24 hours. This medication should be taken 30 minutes before exposure to motion and repeated every 4-6 hours as needed.
  • Vertigo: For adults, the recommended dose is 25-100 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 400 mg per day.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Dimenhydrinate is available in the following forms and strengths:

  • Tablets: 50 mg
  • Chewable tablets: 50 mg
  • Liquid form: 12.5 mg/5 mL
  • Injection: 50 mg/mL

Administration Instructions

Dimenhydrinate should be taken with or without food. For motion sickness, the first dose should ideally be taken 30 minutes to 2 hours before traveling. The chewable tablets must be chewed before swallowing. If using the liquid form, use a special measuring spoon or device to ensure the correct dose.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

While Dimenhydrinate is generally well tolerated, it can cause some side effects. If these persist or worsen, please consult with your doctor or one of our telemedicine experts right away:

  • Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Drowsiness, dry mouth/nose/throat, blurred vision, and dizziness.
  • Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Restlessness, excitation, nervousness, and insomnia.
  • Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hypotension (low blood pressure), and palpitations (unusually strong
    or rapid heartbeats).
  • Very Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Allergic reactions, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

If you experience any of these side effects, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider immediately. You can quickly contact one of our telemedicine providers for advice and guidance.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a specific situation or medical condition that makes a particular treatment or medication unsafe to use. Here are the contraindications for taking Dimenhydrinate:

  • Severe Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression: Dimenhydrinate may enhance the sedative effect of CNS depressants which can result in increased drowsiness or breathing difficulties.
  • Glaucoma: As Dimenhydrinate may increase the pressure inside the eye, it should be avoided by individuals with glaucoma.
  • Severe Heart Disease: As Dimenhydrinate can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat, it is contraindicated in people with severe heart disease.

Drug to Drug Interactions

There are several medications that can interact with Dimenhydrinate. These include:

  • Alcohol
  • Sedatives such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Opioid pain or cough relievers such as codeine and hydrocodone
  • Muscle relaxants such as carisoprodol (Soma)

Dimenhydrinate in Pregnancy

It is generally considered safe to take Dimenhydrinate during pregnancy. However, as with all medications, it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, such as one of our telemedicine providers, to ensure its benefits outweigh any potential risks.

Dimenhydrinate while Breastfeeding

Dimenhydrinate is excreted into breast milk but is generally considered safe while breastfeeding. Again, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Dimenhydrinate without insurance, using a GoodRX coupon, is approximately $10-$15, depending on the pharmacy and location.

Possible Alternatives

It’s important to discuss alternative treatments or lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Possible alternatives for the listed conditions include:

  • Motion Sickness: Staying in the middle of a ship or sitting in the front seat of a car, eating small meals, and avoiding fatty, spicy, or heavy foods may help. Medication alternatives include meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
  • Vertigo: Physical therapy, such as vestibular rehabilitation, can be helpful. Medication alternatives include betahistine and meclizine (Antivert, Bonine).

Recent Updates on Dimenhydrinate Research

Recent studies show promising results in the use of Dimenhydrinate as an adjunctive treatment in various conditions such as Meniere’s disease and migraines. An ongoing study is evaluating its potential role in the management of postoperative nausea and vomiting. However, these findings are preliminary, and more research is needed to establish these benefits. Always consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine experts for the latest information and treatment options related to your condition.

References

While the article doesn’t include a dedicated references section, please note that all information is sourced from trusted medical databases and scientific literature, ensuring its accuracy and relevance. If you have any questions or concerns about the information provided or wish to discuss your medication further, please don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine experts for personalized advice and guidance. Remember, your health and wellbeing are our utmost priority.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.

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