Generic Dramamine

Chemical Name: DIMENHYDRINATE

Common uses

This medicine is used for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or vertigo of motion sickness.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, bladder problems, glaucoma, asthma, 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.

Directions

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. Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach. Take 30 minutes before travel.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects You could feel sleepy, shaky, constipated, confused, or be unable to pass urine. Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines and herbs that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider. Increased activity or inability to sleep may be seen in children.

Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved. Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

Possible side effects

You can feel sleepy, tired, or unable to think clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you. 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; 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.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.