Dimenhydrinate (dimenhydrinate) is useful for preventing or treating nausea, vomiting, or dizziness ( vertigo ) due to motion sickness. This drug can be purchased over the counter, but its use requires special attention.
Dimenhydrinate is a first generation antihistamine drug . This drug prevents nausea and vomiting by inhibiting excessive stimulation of the vestibular system, which is the body's balance control system located in the ear.
In addition, this drug can also temporarily suppress brain activity and cause drowsiness. That way, the patient can sleep and be distracted from the stimulus that causes nausea or dizziness during the trip.
Merek dagang dimenhydrinate: Antimab, Antimo , Antimo Anak, Contramo, Dimenhydrinate, Dimetic, Dramamine , Omedrinat, Mantino, Ramadrinater
What is Dimenhydrinate
| Group | Limited over-the-counter drugs |
| Category | Antihistamines |
| Benefit | Prevent or treat nausea, vomiting, or vertigo caused by motion sickness |
| Used by | Adults and children ≥2 years of age |
| Dimenhydrinate for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Dimenhydrinate is absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, you should first consult the use of this drug with your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets and suspension |
Precautions Before Taking Dimenhydrinate
Here are some things to consider before taking dimenhydrinate:
- Do not take dimenhydrinate if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not give dimenhydrinate to children <2 years of age. Consult your doctor if you are going to give dimenhydrinate to children.
- Consult the use of dimenhydrinate with your doctor if you suffer from respiratory disorders, heart disease, hypertension , liver disease, glaucoma , epilepsy, ulcers of the intestine or stomach, hyperthyroidism , or urinary disorders.
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Consult your doctor if you are or will be using other medicines, including supplements, or herbal products, in anticipation of drug interactions.
- Do not drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery, or perform activities that require alertness while being treated with dimenhydrinate, because this drug can cause drowsiness and blurred vision.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking dimenhydrinate, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are planning surgery, including dental surgery.
- Immediately consult a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects after taking dimenhydrinate.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Dimenhydrinate
The dose of dimenhydrinate can be different for each person. Here is a breakdown of common dimenhydrinate dosages:
Condition: Motion sickness resulting in nausea, vomiting or vertigo
- Adults and children ≥12 years: 50–100 mg every 4–6 hours. The maximum dose is 300–400 mg per day.
- Children 6–1 1 year: 25–50 mg every 6–8 hours. The maximum dose is 150 mg per day.
- Children 2–5 years: 12.5–25 mg every 6–8 hours. The maximum dose is 75 mg per day.
How to Take Dimenhydrinate Correctly
Be sure to read the instructions on the medicine package and follow the doctor 's recommendations for taking dimenhydrinate. Do not reduce or increase the dose prescribed by your doctor.
Dimenhydrinate can be taken when symptoms appear. To prevent motion sickness, this drug should be consumed 30–60 minutes before travel. Dimenhydrinate can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the dimenhydrinate tablets whole with a glass of water. Meanwhile, for dimenhydrinate suspension, shake the medicine first. Use a measuring spoon or measuring device available, so that the dosage of the suspension consumed is correct.
You can stop taking dimenhydrinate once you feel no nausea, don't want to vomit, or don't experience a spinning sensation. However, if complaints still occur, the dose can be repeated about 6 hours from the previous dose.
Store dimenhydrinate in its package in a dry and cool place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Dimenhydrinate with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that can occur if you take dimenhydrinate with certain medications:
- Disappearance of symptoms of damage to ear function due to ototoxic drugs, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics , so that the risk of causing the condition to be treated late
- Increased risk of side effects from drugs with anticholinergic effects, such as tricyclic antidepressants or antiparkinsonian drugs, such as trihexyphenidyl
- Enhanced brain function suppression effect of opioid or barbiturate painkillers
Dimenhydrinate Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that can occur due to consumption of dimenhydrinate are:
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Dry mouth , nose or throat
Call your doctor if your side effects get worse or don't improve. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Mood or mental changes, such as confusion or restlessness
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Difficulty urinating
- Shaking ( tremors )
- Seizure