Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate)

General information

Dramamine is an antihistamine and used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is most effective when taken to prevent motion sickness rather than waiting to treat symptoms that have already started. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (acetylcholine) and preventing its effects on the inner ear. The inner ear helps maintain your sense of balance and position.

Directions

Take Dramamine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, 30 minutes to 1 hour before starting activity such as travel. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Dramamine is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 400 mg of this medication in one day.

Precautions

Before taking Dramamine you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, an glaucoma, enlarged prostate, bladder problems, difficulty urinating, asthma, emphysema, irregular heartbeat, stomach problems, high blood pressure. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness.

Contraindications

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended in children under 2 years of age.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have drowsiness, dizziness, headache, constipation, stomach upset, vision changes, irritability, decreased coordination, or dry mouth, rash, itching, swelling, irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears, difficulty urinating, seizure, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, insomnia. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: antidepressants, pain relievers, antihistamines (diphenhydramine cream, ointment), sedatives, MAO inhibitors (furazolidone, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics (atropine, belladonna alkaloids), antibiotics (gentamicin), anti-seizure drugs (carbamazepine), tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), narcotic pain relievers (codeine). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are seizures, convulsions, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, fever, hallucinations, large pupils, tremor.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.