What is Dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate can be described as an antihistamine that helps reduce the effects of histamine, a chemical that naturally occurs in the body. Dimenhydrinate helps treat and prevent the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate is also employed for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Dimenhydrinate
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Dimenhydrinate may cause serious side effects. Stop taking dimenhydrinate and contact your physician immediately. If you suffer from:
- Very little or no urine.
- Changes in mood, confusion.
- Tremors, restlessness.
- A seizure (convulsions).
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats.
The effects of side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and confusion could be more common in older people.
Common negative side effects of dimenhydrinate include:
- Drowsiness.
- Dry nose, mouth, or throat.
- Constipation.
- Blurred vision.
- Being anxious or restless (especially when it comes to children).
This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow the directions on the label of your medication and on the label of your package. Inform your healthcare professionals about your medical ailments and allergies, as well as the medicines you are taking.
Before you this drug
It is not recommended to use dimenhydrinate if you have an allergy to it. Consult a physician or pharmacist to determine if it's safe to take dimenhydrinate when you suffer from other medical conditions, including:
- Kidney or liver disease.
- An overextended prostate and urination issues.
- Heart disease, high pressure, heart disease.
- A past of seizures.
- Obstruction in the stomach (stomach and intestines).
- Thyroid hyperactive.
- Glaucoma.
- Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or any other breathing disorder.
Avoid giving this medication to a child who is less than two years old. Always consult a physician prior to giving an antihistamine to children. Death can occur due to the improper use of antihistamines in very young children. It isn't known if dimenhydrinate could harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medicine without consulting a doctor's advice if you are expecting. It is unclear if dimenhydrinate can be found in the milk of a nursing baby or whether it can harm the infant. Don't use this medication without seeking a doctor's advice if you are breastfeeding.
How to take Dimenhydrinate?
Take it exactly as indicated on the label or as recommended by your physician. Avoid using in larger than smaller quantities or for longer periods than suggested. For the best results, take dimenhydrinate 30–60 minutes prior to travel or any activity that can cause motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate can be taken either with or without meals. The tablet that you chew should be chewed prior to when you take it in. If you are in need of surgery, inform the surgeon in advance whether you've consumed dimenhydrinate over the past few days. Maintain at room temperature, far away from heat and moisture.
What happens if i miss a dose?
Dimenhydrinate can be used as required; you might not be on a dose schedule. If you're following a schedule, you should take the dose you missed as soon as you can remember. Do not take your missed dose if it's close to the time of the next dose scheduled. Don't use any extra medication to replace the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms can include severe dizziness, irritation, and hallucinations, as well as dilated pupils or seizures. In children, overdose could cause irritability and sleepiness, which is followed by extreme drowsiness.
What should be avoided?
Beware of using the topically applied (for the face) medication that contains an antihistamine called diphenhydramine (commonly called Benadryl). Dimenhydrinate can cause blurred vision and could affect your thinking or reactions. Be aware of this when you drive or perform things that require the driver to remain aware and capable of seeing clearly. Consuming alcohol while taking this medication may cause unwanted side effects.
Interaction with other drugs
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist prior to using this medication if you're taking any other medications that include prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal products. Certain medications can trigger unwanted or even dangerous reactions when combined. Some interactions may not be included in this guideline for medications.
Combining this medication with other medicines that cause you to sleep or slow your breathing could increase the severity of these effects. Talk to your doctor prior to using dimenhydrinate in conjunction with a sleeping medication, painkiller, narcotic muscle relaxer, or medicine to treat anxiety, depression, or seizures.
