Dimenhydrinate Tablets: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Learn how dimenhydrinate tablets prevent and treat motion sickness, their proper use, and important safety information.
What Is Dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine medication commonly used to prevent and treat symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. It is available under several brand names, including Dramamine, Dramamine Motion Sickness Relief, Driminate, Travel Sickness, and TripTone. Dimenhydrinate works by helping your body maintain its sense of balance, which is often disrupted during travel or certain medical conditions.
How Does Dimenhydrinate Work?
Dimenhydrinate belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines. These drugs block the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that can cause symptoms like nausea and dizziness. By interfering with the signals in the brain that trigger motion sickness, dimenhydrinate helps reduce or prevent these symptoms. Its effects typically last for about four hours after each dose.
Common Uses of Dimenhydrinate Tablets
- Prevention and treatment of motion sickness (nausea, vomiting, dizziness)
- Symptomatic relief of vertigo, such as in Ménière syndrome (a disorder of the inner ear)
- Occasionally used for other inner ear problems causing dizziness or imbalance
How to Use Dimenhydrinate Tablets
Dimenhydrinate tablets are taken by mouth, with or without food. To prevent motion sickness, take the first dose 30 minutes to 1 hour before traveling or engaging in motion-inducing activities.
Dosage Guidelines
| Age Group | Dosage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and children over 12 | 1–2 tablets | Every 4–6 hours as needed |
| Children 2–12 years | 1 tablet | Every 6–8 hours as needed |
| Children under 2 years | Not recommended unless directed by a doctor | — |
Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Always follow the instructions on the package or as directed by your healthcare provider. If you are unsure about the correct dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Special Precautions
Before taking dimenhydrinate, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions:
- Allergy to dimenhydrinate, other medications, or any ingredients in the tablet
- Asthma or breathing problems (including chronic bronchitis or emphysema)
- Difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate
- Glaucoma (an eye disease that can cause vision loss)
- Seizures or a history of seizures
- Other medical conditions or are taking other medications
Dimenhydrinate may interact with other drugs, so always disclose your full medical history and current medications to your healthcare provider.
Side Effects of Dimenhydrinate
Like all medications, dimenhydrinate can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some may require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Excitement or hyperactivity (especially in children)
- Headache
- New or worsening dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Problems with coordination
- Fainting
- Nausea
Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Help Immediately)
- Large pupils (dilated)
- Flushed face
- Severe drowsiness or sleepiness
- Excitation or hyperactivity
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- Difficulty understanding reality
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Unsteadiness
- Seizures
- Unresponsiveness or coma
If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately or contact a poison control center.
Overdose Information
Overdosing on dimenhydrinate can be dangerous. Symptoms of overdose include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Coma
- Difficulty breathing
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Missed Dose
Dimenhydrinate is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has prescribed a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Storage and Safety
- Keep dimenhydrinate tablets out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
- Do not share this medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms.
Special Considerations
- Children: Use with caution in children under 12 years old. Do not give to children under 2 years unless directed by a doctor.
- Older Adults: People 65 years and older may be more sensitive to the effects of dimenhydrinate and may require a lower dose.
- Driving and Machinery: Dimenhydrinate may affect coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol with dimenhydrinate can increase the risk of drowsiness and other side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can dimenhydrinate be used for children?
A: Yes, dimenhydrinate can be used for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, but always follow the recommended dosage and consult a doctor for children under 2.
Q: How long does dimenhydrinate last?
A: The effects of dimenhydrinate typically last about four hours after each dose.
Q: Can I take dimenhydrinate with other medications?
A: Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining dimenhydrinate with other medications, as it may interact with certain drugs.
Q: Is dimenhydrinate safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: Consult your healthcare provider before using dimenhydrinate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q: What should I do if I experience side effects?
A: Report any bothersome or severe side effects to your doctor. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
References
- Dimenhydrinate: MedlinePlus Drug Information — U.S. National Library of Medicine. 2023-09-01. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607046.html
- Dramamine (dimenhydrinate): Motion Sickness Medication — Cleveland Clinic. 2023-07-10. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18256-dimenhydrinate-tablets
- Dimenhydrinate | Motion Sickness, Nausea, Vertigo | Britannica — Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2023. https://www.britannica.com/science/dimenhydrinate
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
