Dimenhydrinate : Therapeutic uses, Clinical uses, Indications, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings, Interactions, Precautions, Contraindications & Brand names
Dimenhydrinate (salt of Diphenhydramine) is a first generation H1- receptor blocker, used for preventing and treating nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Dose : 25-100 mg
Route : Oral, I.V.
Plasma half-life : Few hours
Duration of action : 4-6 hours
Bioavailability : ?
Chemical formula : C24H28ClN5O3
IUPAC name : 2-benzhydryloxy-N,N-dimethylethanamine;8-chloro-1,3-dimethyl-7H-purine-2,6-dione
Trade name : Dramamine, Gravol, Vertirosan, Amosyt, Antimo, Xamamina, Gravicoll, Aviomarin, Viabom, Driminate, Gravamin, Dramina, Vomex, Dramin, Anautin, Daedalon, Biodramina, Daimenin, Gravinate
Therapeutic uses : Dimenhydrinate has following usage :
- Used for prevention of symptoms of Motion sickness (e.g. nausea, vertigo, vomiting etc). They are usually not effective if symptoms are already present and, thus, should be taken prior to expected travel.
- It can be used to prevent or diminish nausea, vertigo & vomiting mediated by both the chemoreceptor and vestibular pathways.
- Useful in treating & preventing the allergic reactions.
- May be useful in treating the Meniere’s disease i.e. Vestibular disturbances
Side effects : First-generation H1-receptor blockers have a low specificity, interacting not only with histamine receptors but also with muscarinic cholinergic receptors, α-adrenergic receptors, and serotonin receptors. Some side effects may be undesirable, and others may be of therapeutic value, Following side effects are observed :
- Sedation
- Diminished alertness and concentration
- Light headedness
- Motor incoordination,
- Fatigue and tendency to fall asleep
- Dryness of mouth
- Alteration of bowel movement
- Urinary hesitancy
- Blurring of vision
- Epigastric distress
- Headache
- Acute overdose produces central excitation, tremors, hallucinations, muscular incordination, convulsions, flushing, hypotension, fever and some other features of belladonna poisoning. Death is due to respiratory and cardiovascular failure.
Drug Interactions: Dimenhydrinate may interact with following drugs :
Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist
- If you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
- Your medical history, especially of respiratory problems, glaucoma, heart problems, high bp, liver disease, seizures, GIT problems, hyperthyroidism, urinary problems..
Contraindications
- Neonates and patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Dimenhydrinate or its components (diphenhydramine or 8-chlorotheophylline) should not be treated with Dimenhydrinate.
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
