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.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This drug may also be used for symptoms of other motion
and balance problems such as feelings of dizziness/spinning (vertigo) and
inner ear problems (such as Meniere's disease). It may also be used for
nausea and vomiting due to surgery, radiation sickness, side effects of
drug treatment, and other causes.
This medication is injected into a vein (IV), or it can
be injected into a muscle by a health care professional, as directed by
your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
treatment.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Drowsiness, constipation, blurred vision, or dry
mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse,
tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or
ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva
substitute.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, confusion)
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- shaking (tremor)
- difficulty urinating
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using dimenhydrinate, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to diphenhydramine; or if you have
any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which
can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema)
- glaucoma
- stomach problems (such as ulcers, obstruction)
- difficulty urinating (for example, due to an enlarged
prostate gland)
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- seizures
- overactive thyroid
This drug may make you drowsy or blur your vision.
Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you
can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are
using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug. This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead
of drowsiness.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble
urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of
falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk and may have
undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine
cream, ointment, spray)
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as
cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as allergy skin test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure
lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
drowsiness, seizures, widened pupils. In children, mental/mood changes
(such as restlessness, irritability, hallucinations) may occur before
drowsiness.
Do not share this product with others.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.