dimenhydrinate

What is the most important information I should know about dimenhydrinate?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

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.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dimenhydrinate?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• liver or kidney disease;
• enlarged prostate and urination problems;
• heart disease, high pressure;
• a history of seizures;
• blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
• overactive thyroid;
• glaucoma; or
• asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder.

How should I take dimenhydrinate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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

You may take dimenhydrinate with or without food.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken dimenhydrinate in the past few days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since dimenhydrinate is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, irritability, dilated pupils, hallucinations, or seizure. In children, an overdose may cause irritability or restlessness followed by severe drowsiness.

What should I avoid while taking dimenhydrinate?

Avoid using a topical (for the skin) medicine that contains an antihistamine called diphenhydramine (commonly known as Benadryl).

What are the possible side effects of dimenhydrinate?

• little or no urination;
• confusion, mood changes;
• tremors, restlessness;
• a seizure (convulsions); or
• fast or irregular heartbeats.

Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• constipation;
• blurred vision; or
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

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.

What other drugs will affect dimenhydrinate?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about dimenhydrinate written for health professionals that you may read.

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.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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