Dimenhydrinate

Indications

Dimenhydrinate is used for: Prevention of Motion Sickness, Nausea and vertigo caused by Meniere's disease

Adult Dose

Oral Treatment and prophylaxis of motion sickness; Nausea and vertigo caused by Meniere's disease Adult: 50-100 mg 3-4 times daily. For prevention of motion sickness, 1st dose to be given at least 30 minutes before traveling.

Child Dose

Oral Treatment and prophylaxis of motion sickness; Nausea and vertigo caused by Meniere's disease Child: 2-6 yr: 12.5-25 mg; 6-12 yr: 25-50 mg; Doses can be repeated every 6-8 hr. Max: 75 mg daily (2-6 yr) and 150 mg daily (6-12 yr).

Renal Dose

Administration

May be taken with or without food.

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity to dimenhydrinate, porphyria. Neonates. Lactation.

Precautions

Angle-closure glaucoma, urinary retention, prostatic hyperplasia, pyloroduodenal obstruction, epilepsy. Elderly. Tasks requiring mental alertness. Pregnancy. Lactation: Crosses into breast milk, discontinue drug or do not nurse

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Physically incompatible with aminophylline, hydrocortisone, phenothiazines and some barbiturates in solution.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Dimenhydrinate : Sedation, dry mouth, thickened respiratory tract secretions, tightness of chest, bradycardia followed by tachycardia and arrhythmias, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, GI disturbance, blood dyscrasias. Paradoxical CNS stimulation may occur in children and occasionally in adults.

Mechanism of Action

Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine which also has antimuscarinic and central sedative action. It also exerts a depressant action on hyperstimulated labyrinthine function.