Motion Sickness Relief

Generic name: Dimenhydrinate

Drug class: Antihistamine

Dosage form: Oral tablet, chewable tablet, injectable solution

Root of administration: Oral, intramuscular, intravenous

Dose: Adults: 50–100 mg orally every 4–6 hours as needed; maximum 400 mg/day. Children (2–12 years): 25–50 mg orally every 6–8 hours as needed; maximum 150 mg/day. Injectable form: 50 mg intramuscularly or intravenously every 4–6 hours as needed; maximum 400 mg/day. Dosage adjustments may be necessary for individuals with liver disease or other health conditions. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

Mechanism of action: Dimenhydrinate is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors in the brain, reducing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness. It also possesses anticholinergic properties, which may contribute to its antiemetic effects.

Drug usage cases:

• Prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness
• Management of nausea and vomiting associated with vertigo
• Adjunctive treatment for nausea and vomiting following general anesthesia

Drug contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to dimenhydrinate or any component of the formulation
• Acute asthma attacks
• Glaucoma
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Prostatic hypertrophy
• Bladder neck obstruction
• Stenosing peptic ulcer
• Pyloroduodenal obstruction
• Severe liver disease
• Severe respiratory depression

Side effects:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Urinary retention
• Confusion (especially in older adults)
• Hypotension
• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)

Warnings:

• Use caution when driving or operating machinery due to potential drowsiness
• Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants
• Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures
• Monitor for signs of anticholinergic toxicity, especially in older adults
• Discontinue use and seek medical attention if signs of an allergic reaction occur
• Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease
• Not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding:

Dimenhydrinate is classified as a Category B medication for pregnancy, indicating that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare provider. The safety of dimenhydrinate during breastfeeding is not well established. It is excreted in breast milk, and caution is advised when administering to nursing mothers. Consult a healthcare provider before using this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.