
Precautions
What is dimenhydrinate? Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Dimenhydrinate is used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.
What is dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate is a competitive antagonist at the histamine H1 receptor, which is widely distributed in the human brain. Dimenhydrinate's anti-emetic effect is probably due to H1 antagonism in the vestibular system in the brain.
Is dimenhydrinate a competitive antagonist?
Dimenhydrinate, an anti-nauseant/antiemetic, is the 8-chlorotheophylline salt of diphenhydramine. It contains not less than 53% and not more than 55.5% of diphenhydramine, and not less than 44% and not more than 47% of 8-chlorotheophylline, calculated on the dried basis.
What is the percentage of diphenhydramine in dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using dimenhydrinate and call your doctor at once if you have: little or no urination; confusion, mood changes;
What are the side effects of dimenhydrinate?
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What is Dramamine classified as?
Dramamine is an antihistamine that has active ingredients: dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine. It helps prevent vertigo and cures people suffering from vertigo, motion sickness symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness by blocking the histamine 1 (H1) receptor, which is commonly found in the brain.
What type of antihistamine is dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine indicated for the prevention and relief of nausea and vomiting from a number of causes. It is an H1 receptor antagonist that demonstrates anticholinergic activity.
Is dimenhydrinate an antiemetic?
Dimenhydrinate is a theoclate salt composed of diphenhydramine, an ethanolamine derivative, and 8-chlorotheophylline, a chlorinated theophylline derivative, in a 1 : 1 ratio. Dimenhydrinate must be metabolized into its active ingredient diphenhydramine to attain antiemetic efficacy.
Is dimenhydrinate an H1 antagonist?
Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, 50 mg/dose) and meclizine hydrochloride (Bonine, 25 mg/dose) are centrally acting histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonists that are effective for the “prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, or dizziness associated with motion sickness.” Although their mechanism of action is not well ...
Who should not take dimenhydrinate?
talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking dimenhydrinate if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take dimenhydrinate because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
What is another name for dimenhydrinate?
Gravol is a trade name for the non-prescription drug dimenhydrinate. Dimenhydrinate is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting.
What is the mechanism of action for dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate competitively blocks H1 receptors, thereby preventing the actions of histamine on bronchial smooth muscle, capillaries and gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle. This prevents histamine-induced bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, GI smooth muscle spasm.
What medications interact with dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate has serious interactions with the following drugs:calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium oxybates.eluxadoline.metoclopramide intranasal.pitolisant.secretin.sodium oxybate.
Does dimenhydrinate help with anxiety?
The anti-anxiety effects of taking large doses of dimenhydrinate make it an attractive drug of abuse for people who are diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and even schizophrenia.
Which antihistamines are H1 blockers?
Commonly used H1 antagonists currently available in the United States are cetirizine, levocetirizine, desloratadine, loratadine, and fexofenadine.
Which antihistamines are H1 and H2?
H1-antihistamines, such as azatadine, cetirizine, and mizolastine are used for the treatment mast cell activated diseases (106). Cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, and nizatidine are H2R selective antihistamines that reduce gastric acid secretion (107).
What are 3rd generation antihistamines?
Third-generation antihistamines are defined as being metabolites or enantiomers of previously available drugs and can therefore lead to an increase in efficacy and/or safety. In Canada these include: fexofenadine and desloratidine [4].
What is the mechanism of action for dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate competitively blocks H1 receptors, thereby preventing the actions of histamine on bronchial smooth muscle, capillaries and gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle. This prevents histamine-induced bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, GI smooth muscle spasm.
Is Dramamine an antihistamine?
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is a popular go-to remedy. It is somewhat effective at reducing motion sickness symptoms, but it is an antihistamine. Like all antihistamines, it may cause drowsiness, dizziness and decreased mental alertness.
What does dimenhydrinate interact with?
Dimenhydrinate has serious interactions with the following drugs: calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium oxybates. eluxadoline. metoclopramide intranasal.
Is dimenhydrinate an anticholinergic?
Dimenhydrinate (marketed as Gravol in Canada and Dramamine in the United Kingdom and the United States) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine indicated for the prevention and relief of nausea and vomiting from a number of causes. It is an H1 receptor antagonist that demonstrates anticholinergic activity.
What is dimenhydrinate used for?
Expand Section. Dimenhydrinate is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by preventing problems with body balance.
How old do you have to be to give dimenhydrinate?
Do not give dimenhydrinate to children younger than 2 years of age unless your doctor has told you to do so.
How long should you take dimenhydrinate before travel?
To prevent motion sickness, the first dose should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before you travel or begin motion activity.
Can dimenhydrinate cause nausea?
If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately: fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat. Dimenhydrinate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Does dimenhydrinate cause side effects?
Dimenhydrinate may cause side effects. Talk to your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: Some side effects can be serious. If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately: Dimenhydrinate may cause other side effects.
Can you take dimenhydrinate if you have PKU?
if you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent mental retardation), read the package label carefully before taking dimenhydrinate. Dimenhydrinate chewable tablets contain aspartame that forms phenylalanine.
Does dimenhydrinate make you drowsy?
you should know that dimenhydrinate may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or participate in potentially dangerous activities until you know how this medication affects you.
What is the purpose of dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate is a first generation antihistamine that is used for treatment or prevention of motion sickness or symptoms of nausea and dizziness. Dimenhydrinate has not been linked to instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.
What is dimenhydrinate ethanolamine?
Dimenhydrinate. More... Dimenhydrinate is an ethanolamine and first-generation histamine antagonist with anti-allergic activity. Dimenhydrinate competitively blocks H1 receptors, thereby preventing the actions of histamine on bronchial smooth muscle, capillaries and gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle.
Is dimenhydrinate an antagonist?
Dimenhydrinate is a competitive antagonist at the histamine H1 receptor, which is widely distributed in the human brain. Dimenhydrinate's anti-emetic effect is probably due to H1 antagonism in the vestibular system in the brain. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO NOTE THAT NEITHER H1...BLOCKERS INHIBIT HISTAMINE RELEASE. ...
Is dimenhydrinate a chemo drug?
It is not effective in the treatment of nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy. Dimenhydrinate directly inhibits the stimulation of certain nerves in the brain and inner ear to suppress nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and vertigo. Diphenhydramine and dimenhydinate both reduce vestibular neuronal excitation due to angular or linear acceleration motions.
Does dimenhydrinate cause liver problems?
Despite widespread use, dimenhydrinate has not been linked to liver test abnormalities or to clinically apparent liver injury. The reason for its safety may relate to its limited duration of use.
What is the name of the drug Dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate is marketed under many brand names: in the US, Mexico, and Serbia as Dramamine; in Ukraine as Driminate; in Canada, Costa Rica, and India as Gravol; in Iceland as Gravamin; in Russia and Croatia as Dramina; in South Africa and Germany as Vomex; in Australia and Austria as Vertirosan; in Brazil as Dramin; in Colombia as Mareol; in Ecuador as Anautin; in Hungary as Daedalon; in Sweden as Calma or Arlevert; in Indonesia as Antimo; in Italy as Xamamina or Valontan; in Peru as Gravicoll; in Poland and Slovakia as Aviomarin; in Portugal as Viabom, Vomidrine, and Enjomin; in Spain as Biodramina; in Thailand as Daimenin; in Israel as Travamin; in Pakistan as Gravinate; and in Ethiopia as dimenhydrinate.
What is dimenhydrinate used for?
Dimenhydrinate is recreationally used as a deliriant. Slang terms for Dramamine used this way include "drama", "dime", "dime tabs", "D-Q", "substance D", "d-house", and "drams". Abusing Dramamine is sometimes referred to as Dramatizing or "going a dime a dozen", a reference to the amount of Dramamine tablets generally necessary for a trip.
What is the name of the over the counter medication used to treat nausea and motion sickness?
N Y. (what is this?) (verify) Dimenhydrinate, marketed as Draminate, Dramamine, and Gravol among others, is an over-the-counter drug used to treat motion sickness and nausea. Dimenhydrinate is a combination drug of diphenhydramine and 8-Chlorotheophylline.
What is the difference between diphenhydramine and dimenhydrinate?
Diphenhydramine is the primary constituent of dimenhydrinate and dictates the primary effect. The main difference relative to pure diphenhydramine is a lower potency due to being combined with 8-chlorotheophylline. By weight, dimenhydrinate is between 53% to 55.5% diphenhydramine.
Where does diphenhydramine affect the brain?
In the CNS, diphenhydramine readily crosses the blood–brain barrier, exerting effects within the visual and auditory cortex. Other CNS effects occur within the limbic system and hippocampus, causing confusion and temporary amnesia due to decreased acetylcholine signaling.
Is Dimenhydrinate an antihistamine?
Dimenhydrinate (marketed as Gravol in Canada and Dramamine in the United Kingdom and the United States) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine indicated for the prevention and relief of nausea and vomiting from a number of causes. It is an H1 receptor antagonist that demonstrates anticholinergic activity.
When is dimenhydrinate indicated?
Dimenhydrinate in the injectable form is indicated when the oral form is impractical.
What is dimenhydrinate salt?
Dimenhydrinate Description. Dimenhydrinate, an anti-nauseant/antiemetic, is the 8-chlorotheophylline salt of diphenhydramine. It contains not less than 53% and not more than 55.5% of diphenhydramine, and not less than 44% and not more than 47% of 8-chlorotheophylline, calculated on the dried basis. Chemically, it is 8-chlorotheophylline compound ...
Can dimenhydrinate be excreted in breast milk?
Nursing Mothers. Small amounts of Dimenhydrinate are excreted in breast milk. Because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from Dimenhydrinate, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Does dimenhydrinate cause fetal harm?
However, clinical studies in pregnant women have not indicated that Dimenhydrinate increases the risk of abnormalities when administered in any trimester of pregnancy. It would appear that the possibility of fetal harm is remote when the drug is used during pregnancy.
Is dimenhydrinate a carcinogen?
Mutagenicity screening tests performed with Dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, and 8-chlorotheophylline produced positive results in the bacterial systems and negative results in the mammalian systems. There are no human data that indicate Dimenhydrinate is a carcinogen or mutagen or that it impairs fertility.
Can dimenhydrinate be given with antibiotics?
Caution should be used when Dimenhydrinate is given in conjunction with certain antibiotics that may cause ototoxicity, since Dimenhydrinate is capable of masking ototoxic symptoms, and an irreversible state may be reached.
Does dimenhydrinate have a depressant effect?
While the precise mode of action of Dimenhydrinate is not known, it has a depressant action on hyperstimulated labyrinthine function.
What is the diphenhydramine content of dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate contains 53–55.5% diphenhydramine. Concomitant use with other preparations containing diphenhydramine, including oral and topical preparations, is contraindicated.
How much diphenhydramine is in dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate contains 53–55.5% diphenhydramine. Risk of diphenhydramine toxicity. (See Pediatric Use under Cautions.) Do not use more often than directed for any condition or use concomitantly with other diphenhydramine-containing preparations, including oral and topical preparations.
Why is it important to not use diphenhydramine?
Importance of not using multiple diphenhydramine-containing preparations (either oral or topical) simultaneously because of risk of toxicity. (See Diphenhydramine Toxicity under Cautions.)
Does Dramamine have tartrazine?
Importance of warning patients with tartrazine or aspirin sensitivity that Dramamine chewable tablets contain the dy e tartrazine (FD&C yellow No. 5), which may cause allergic reactions including bronchial asthma. .
Which antihistamines are the most sedating?
Among first generation antihistamines, ethanolamines (e.g., dimenhydrinate) considered the most sedating. Performance of activities requiring mental alertness or physical coordination may be impaired. Concurrent use of other CNS depressants may cause additive or potentiated CNS depression.
Does dimenhydrinate affect metabolism?
Drugs Metabolized by Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes. Although dimenhydrina te has been reported to induce hepatic microsomal enzymes in animals, there is no clinical evidence that it influences the metabolism of other drugs in humans.
Can dimenhydrinate be used to mask ototoxicity?
Symptoms of ototoxicity may be masked by dimenhydrinate; administer with caution in patients receiving known ototoxic drugs and closely monitor.
What is dimenhydrinate used for?
Dimenhydrinate is a medication used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and motion sickness.
How long does dimenhydrinate last?
Dimenhydrinate is indicated for the prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, or vertigo of motion sickness. 9, 10 It has a short duration of action of 4-8 hours. 4 Patients should be counselled regarding pronounced drowsiness, avoiding alcohol and other sedatives, and exercising caution when operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery. 9
When was dimenhydrinate first discovered?
Dimehydrinate was first described in the literature in 1949, 5 and patented in 1950. 11 Early research into dimenhydrinate focused on its role as an antihistamine for urticaria; the treatment of motion sickness was an accidental discovery. 7.
What is the risk of olanzapine and dimenhydrinate?
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Olanzapine is combined with Dimenhydrinate. Oliceridine. The risk or severity of hypotension, sedation, death, somnolence, and respiratory depression can be increased when Dimenhydrinate is combined with Oliceridine. Olodaterol.
What is the volume of distribution of dimenhydrinate?
The volume of distribution of dimenhydrinate is 3-4 L/kg. 12
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Easily compare up to 40 drugs with our drug interaction checker.
Does dimenhydrinate increase QTC?
Anisotropine methylbromide. Dimenhydrinate may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Anisotropine methylbromide. Antazoline. The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Dimenhydrinate is combined with Antazoline.

Medical uses
Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness when medication cannot be given by mouth. Dimenhydrinate injection should not be used in newborns because of an increased risk of side effects.
May Treat: Motion sickness · Nausea · Nausea and vomiting · Motion sickness · Nausea and vomiting and more
Brand Names: Dramamine · Driminate · Motion Sickness Relief · Wal-Dram · Travel Sickness and more
Drug Class: Antiemetic - Antihistamines
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor
May Treat: Motion sickness · Nausea · Nausea and vomiting · Motion sickness · Nausea and vomiting and more
Brand Names: Dramamine · Driminate · Motion Sickness Relief · Wal-Dram · Travel Sickness and more
Drug Class: Antiemetic - Antihistamines
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Administration
Contraindications
Risks
Treatment
- Dimenhydrinate is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by preventing problems with body balance.
Side effects
- Dimenhydrinate comes as a tablet and chewable tablet to take by mouth with or without food. To prevent motion sickness, the first dose should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before you travel or begin motion activity. Adults and children older than age 12 may usually take dimenhydrinate every 4 to 6 hours as needed to prevent or treat motion sickness. Children under age 12 may us…
Prevention
- Do not give dimenhydrinate to children younger than 2 years of age unless your doctor has told you to do so.
Preparation
- Dimenhydrinate is also sometimes used to treat Meniere's disease (condition of the inner ear which causes extreme dizziness, loss of balance, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss) and other inner ear problems. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
Overview
- Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. This medication is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take dimenhydrinate regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Medical uses
- Dimenhydrinate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Medicinal chemistry
- Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resista…
Side effects
- It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Recreational use
Dimenhydrinate, sold under the brand name Dramamine, among others, is an over-the-counter drug used to treat motion sickness and nausea. Dimenhydrinate is a theoclate salt composed of diphenhydramine, an ethanolamine derivative, and 8-chlorotheophylline, a chlorinated theophylline derivative, in a 1∶1 ratio.
Brand names
Dimenhydrinate is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine indicated for the prevention and relief of nausea and vomiting from a number of causes. It is an H1 receptor antagonist that demonstrates anticholinergic activity.
Popular culture
Diphenhydramine is the primary constituent of dimenhydrinate and dictates the primary effect. The main difference relative to pure diphenhydramine is a lower potency due to being combined with 8-chlorotheophylline. By weight, dimenhydrinate is between 53% to 55.5% diphenhydramine.
External links
Common side effects may include:
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
Dimenhydrinate Description
Dimenhydrinate is recreationally used as a deliriant. Slang terms for Dramamine used this way include "drama", "dime", "dime tabs", "D-Q", "substance D", "d-house", and "drams". Abusing Dramamine is sometimes referred to as Dramatizing or "going a dime a dozen", a reference to the amount of Dramamine tablets generally necessary for a trip.
Many users report a side-effect profile consistent with tropane alkaloid (e.g. atropine) poisoning a…
Dimenhydrinate - Clinical Pharmacology
Dimenhydrinate is marketed under many brand names: in the US, Mexico, Turkey and Serbia as Dramamine; in Ukraine as Driminate; in Canada, Costa Rica, and India as Gravol; in Iceland as Gravamin; in Russia and Croatia as Dramina; in South Africa and Germany as Vomex; in Australia and Austria as Vertirosan; in Brazil as Dramin; in Colombia as Mareol; in Ecuador as Anautin; in Hungary as Daedalon; in Indonesia as Antimo; in Italy as Xamamina or Valontan; in Peru as Gravi…
Indications and Usage For Dimenhydrinate
Modest Mouse produced a song titled "Dramamine" on their 1996 debut album This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About. The song uses side effects of the drug as a metaphor for the deteriorating state of a personal relationship.
Contraindications
• Media related to Dimenhydrinate at Wikimedia Commons
• "Diphenhydramine". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
• "8-Chlorotheophylline". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Warnings
Precautions
- While the precise mode of action of Dimenhydrinate is not known, it has a depressant action on hyperstimulated labyrinthine function.
Adverse Reactions
- Dimenhydrinate Injection, USP is indicated for the prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, or vertigo of motion sickness.
Overdosage
- Neonates and patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Dimenhydrinate or its components (diphenhydramine or 8-chlorotheophylline) should not be treated with Dimenhydrinate. Note: This product contains Benzyl Alcohol. Benzyl Alcohol has been associated with a fatal “Gasping Syndrome” in premature infants and infants of low birth weight.
How Is Dimenhydrinate Supplied
- Caution should be used when Dimenhydrinate is given in conjunction with certain antibiotics that may cause ototoxicity, since Dimenhydrinate is capable of masking ototoxic symptoms, and an irreversible state may be reached. This drug may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operati…