Dimenhydrinate

Antiemetic & Gastroprokinetic · Monoethanol amine derivative

Indications

Vertigo. Nausea and vomiting. Motion sickness.

Dosage

ORAL: Adults: 50-100 mg two or three times daily. Children: Under 1 yr, Not recommended; 1-6 yr, 12.5-25 mg; 7- 12 yr, 25-50 mg; both two or three times daily. INJECTION: Adults: IM/IV. 50 mg every 4 hr, max 100 mg every 4 hr. Children: Above 1 yr, IM 1.25 mg/kg or 37.5 mg/square meter 4 times daily, max 300 mg/day.

Administration

For IM administration, each mL (50 mg) of solution is injected as needed. For IV administration, inject diluted solution over a period of 2 min. Reconstitution: For IV administration, each mL (50 mg) of solution must be diluted in 10 mL of NaCl 0.9%. Stability: Store at 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F). Protect from light.

Adverse Effects

Urticaria, drug rash, dryness of mouth, nose and throat, drowsiness, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, insomnia, euphoria, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, hypotension, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus, palpitation, tachycardia, change in urinary frequency, difficult urination, urinary retention, auditory and visual hallucination (particularly when dosage recommendation are exceeded, cholestatic jaundice).

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Not rated. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Precautions: May produce drowsiness, because of their anticholinergic action. Use with caution in patients with narrow angle glaucoma, obstructive disease of the GI or GU tract and in elderly males with possible prostatic hypertrophy. May have hypotensive actions.

Interactions

Hypnotics, sedatives, tranquillisers, antianxiety drugs.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Inform prescriber about dimenhydrinate therapy if you are being tested for other medical conditions such as appendicitis which may be affected by this medicine. Avoid alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers during therapy. Avoid activities that require mental alertness. Use sunscreen to prevent photosensitivity.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: Oral: 15-30 mins. IM: 20-30 mins. IV: Almost immediately. Duration: 3-6 hrs. Absorption: Well absorbed. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 1-4 hrs. Excretion: Urine.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.