Drug Detail:Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate [ dye-men-hye-dri-nate ])
Generic Name: Dimenhydrinate Tablets [ dye-men-HYE-dri-nate ]
Drug Class: Anticholinergic antiemetics
Uses of Dramamine:
- It is used to help motion sickness.
- It is used to treat or prevent upset stomach and throwing up.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Dramamine?
- If you have an allergy to dimenhydrinate or any other part of Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets).
- If you are allergic to Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets); any part of Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Dramamine?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets) affects you.
- If you are allergic to tartrazine, talk with your doctor. Some products have tartrazine.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets).
- Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
- If you are 65 or older, use Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
- Talk with the doctor before giving Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets) to a child younger than 2 years of age.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets) while you are pregnant.
How is this medicine (Dramamine) best taken?
Use Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food.
- Take 30 to 60 minutes before travel if using for motion sickness.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Trouble passing urine.
- Pain when passing urine.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Blurred eyesight.
- Restlessness.
What are some other side effects of Dramamine?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dizziness.
- Feeling sleepy.
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat.
- Thickening of mucus in nose or throat.
- Feeling nervous and excitable.
- Headache.
- Not hungry.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Feeling tired or weak.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Dramamine?
- Store in the original container at room temperature.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Dramamine (dimenhydrinate tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Frequently asked questions
- What can I give my dog for motion sickness?
- Is Dramamine useful to treat nausea or dry heaving?