Classes
DEA Class; OTC, Rx
Common Brand Names; Dramamine
- Antiemetic Agents;
- Antihistamines, 1st Generation;
- Antiemetics, Antihistamine
Description
Ethanolamine H1 antagonist containing diphenhydramine and 8-chloro-theophylline; pharmacological effects principally result from diphenhydramine moiety, has CNS depressant, anticholinergic, antiemetic, antihistamine, and local anesthetic effects
Antiemetic action may result from inhibiting vestibular stimulation, and inhibiting acetylcholine
Indications
Indicated for the management of
- Prevention of Motion Sickness
- Meniere’s Disease (Off-label)
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity to dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine
Lower respiratory disease, eg, asthma (controversial)
Preemies and neonates
Nursing women
Adverse Effects
- Paradoxical CNS stimulation (children and occasionally in adults)
- CNS depression
- Drowsiness
- Sedation ranging from mild drowsiness to deep sleep (most frequent)
- Dizziness
- Lassitude
- Disturbed coordination
- Muscular weakness
- Restlessness, insomnia, tremors, euphoria, nervousness, delirium, palpitation, seizures is less common
- Epigastric distress
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Cholestasis, hepatitis, hepatic failure, hepatic function abnormality, jaundice is rare
- Eczema, pruritus, inflammation, papular rash, erythema on exposed skin may occur with topical formulation
- Tachycardia, palpitation ECG changes (eg, widened QRS)
- Arrhythmias (eg, extrasystole, heart block)
- Hypotension
- Hypertension
- Dizziness, sedation, and hypotension may occur in geriatric patients
- Dryness of mouth, nose, and throat
- Dysuria
- Urinary retention
- Impotence
- Vertigo
- Visual disturbances
- Blurred vision
- Diplopia; tinnitus
- Acute labyrinthitis
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Facial dyskinesia
- Tightness of the chest
- Thickening of bronchial secretions
- Wheezing
- Nasal stuffiness
- Sweating
- Chills
Warnings
May impair ability to drive or operate heavy machinery
May mask early signs of ototoxicity if given concomitantly with ototoxic drugs (eg, aminoglycosides)
Patients with seizures, angle-closure glaucoma, enlargement of prostate gland, asthma, emphysema, acute hepatic insufficiency
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: B
Lactation: Crosses into breast milk, discontinue drug or do not nurse
Maximum Dosage
50-100 mg PO/IV/IM q4-6hr PRN, 30 minutes before exposure to motion; not to exceed 400 mg/day
50-100 mg PO/IV/IM q4-6hr PRN, 30 minutes before exposure to motion; not to exceed 400 mg/day
How supplied
Dimenhydrinate
injectable solution
- 50mg/mL
tablet
- 50mg
tablet, chewable
- 50mg
