Generic name: dimenhydrinate (dye men HYE dri nate)
Brand name: Dramamine, Driminate, Triptone
Drug class: Anticholinergic antiemetics
Dramamine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body.
Dramamine is used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.
Dramamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Dramamine if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Dramamine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
- liver or kidney disease;
- enlarged prostate and urination problems;
- heart disease, high pressure;
- a history of seizures;
- blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
- overactive thyroid;
- glaucoma; or
- asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving an antihistamine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of antihistamines in very young children.
It is not known whether Dramamine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether dimenhydrinate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Dramamine?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
For best results, take Dramamine 30 to 60 minutes before traveling or before any activity that may trigger motion sickness.
You may take Dramamine with or without food.
The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken Dramamine in the past few days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Dramamine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, irritability, dilated pupils, hallucinations, or seizure. In children, an overdose may cause irritability or restlessness followed by severe drowsiness.
What should I avoid while taking Dramamine?
Avoid using a topical (for the skin) medicine that contains an antihistamine called diphenhydramine (commonly known as Benadryl).
Dramamine may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
Dramamine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Dramamine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- little or no urination;
- confusion, mood changes;
- tremors, restlessness;
- a seizure (convulsions); or
- fast or irregular heartbeats.
Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness;
- dry mouth, nose, or throat;
- constipation;
- blurred vision; or
- feeling restless or excited (especially in children).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Dramamine?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Dramamine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking Dramamine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.