Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)

Category:

• Antihistamine

Description:

• Anitvertigo agent, antihistamine

Indications:

• Prevention and treatment of motion sickness

Contraindications:

• Neonates (IV products may contain benzyl alcohol)

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category B; has been used for the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum; small amounts excreted in breast milk; use caution in nursing mothers

• Children, protstatic hypertrophy, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction

• Bladder neck obstruction, narrow-angle glaucoma, cardiac dysrhythmias, elderly

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, excitation, headache, heaviness and weakness of hands, insomnia (especially in children), lassitude, nervousness, tingling, vertigo

• CV: palpitations, tachycardia

• EENT: blurring of vision, diplopia, nasal stuffiness

• GI: anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, epigastric distress, nausea, vomiting

• GU: difficult or painful urination

• HEME: hemolytic anemia

• SKIN: drug rash, photosensitivity, urticaria

Dosage:

Administered orally, intravenously, intramuscularly

• Adult: PO 50-100mg every 4-6 hours, do not exceed 400mg daily; IM/IV 50mg as needed

• Child 6-12 years: PO 25-50mg every 6-8 hours, do not exceed 150mg daily; IM 1.25 mg/kg or 37.5mg per meter square 4 times daily, do not exceed 300mg daily

• Child 2-6 years: PO 12.5-25mg every 6-8 hours, do not exceed 75mg daily