Dimenhydrinate

Administration

Adult Dosing

Motion Sickness

  • 50mg PO/IV/IM q4-6h
    • Maximum Dose: 400 mg within 24 hours

Pediatric Dosing

Motion Sickness

  • 2-6yo: 12.5-25mg PO q6-8 hrs
    • Maximum Dose: 75 mg within 24 hours
  • 6-12yo: 25-50mg PO q6-8h
    • 150 mg within 24 hours
  • 1.25 mg/kg IM q6h

Special Populations

Contraindications

  • Allergy to class/drug

Adverse Reactions

Serious

Common

  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Sedation

Pharmacology

  • Half-life: 5-8 hours
  • Metabolism: Liver
  • Excretion: Renal

Mechanism of Action

  • Precise anti-nausea mechanism unknown, has depressant action on hyperstimulated labyrinthine function

Comments

  • Dimenhydrinate is a combination drug of diphenhydramine and 8-chlorotheophylline
  • Used recreationally as a deliriant[1]

See Also

References

  1. Abuse and Misuse Potential of Dimenhydrinate: A Review of the Clinical Evidence. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; December 1, 2015.