Generic name: dimenhydrinate [ dye-men-HYE-dri-nate ]
Brand names: Dramamine, Dramamine for Kids, Driminate, Motion Sickness Relief, Triptone, ... show all 10 brands Hydrate, Dramoject, Dymenate, DMH, Wal-Dram
Dosage forms: oral tablet (50 mg), oral tablet, chewable (25 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class: Anticholinergic antiemetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 30, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is dimenhydrinate?

Dimenhydrinate is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness.

Dimenhydrinate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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.

Dimenhydrinate may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe drowsiness;

• wheezing, trouble breathing, severe or worsening cough;

• blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights; or

• painful or difficult urination.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, or you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the label and package. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use dimenhydrinate if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if dimenhydrinate is safe to use if you have or have ever had:

• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;

• breathing problems such as emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;

• glaucoma; or

• if you recently used alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers.

The chewable tablet of dimenhydrinate may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor before taking if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take dimenhydrinate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use this medicine in larger amounts or more often than directed.

For best results, take dimenhydrinate 30 to 60 minutes before traveling or before any activity that may trigger motion sickness.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related/similar drugs

ondansetron, hydroxyzine, clonazepam, lorazepam, olanzapine, dexamethasone, meclizine, diphenhydramine, promethazine, Benadryl

What happens if I miss a dose?

Dimenhydrinate is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking dimenhydrinate?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how dimenhydrinate will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of dimenhydrinate.

What other drugs will affect dimenhydrinate?

Using dimenhydrinate with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, sedative, tranquilizer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect dimenhydrinate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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