Brief fact of Dimenhydrinate
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 Posted in Health Tips
What is dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and vertigo associated with motion sickness.
What is the most important information I should know about dimenhydrinate?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dimenhydrinate may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking dimenhydrinate.
Who should not take dimenhydrinate?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- kidney or liver disease,
- an enlarged prostate,
- difficulty urinating,
- bladder problems,
- glaucoma,
- asthma, or
- an irregular heartbeat or any other type of heart disease.
You may not be able to take dimenhydrinate, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
How should I take dimenhydrinate?
Take dimenhydrinate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of dimenhydrinate with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Dimenhydrinate is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 400 mg of this medication in one day.
Store dimenhydrinate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What should I avoid while taking dimenhydrinate?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dimenhydrinate may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking dimenhydrinate.
Dimenhydrinate side effects
Stop taking dimenhydrinate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take dimenhydrinate and talk to your doctor if you experience
- drowsiness or dizziness;
- restlessness, excitation, nervousness, or insomnia;
- blurred or double vision;
- dry mouth, nose, or throat;
- decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- difficulty urinating; or
- an irregular or fast heartbeat.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
