Dimenhydrinate (Injection)

Introduction:

Dimenhydrinate (dye-men-HYE-dri-nate)

Prevents and treats motion sickness symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins or as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any antibiotics to treat an infection. There are many other drugs that can interact with dimenhydrinate. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines your are using.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart rhythm problems, asthma, glaucoma, stomach ulcers, a blocked digestive tract, an enlarged prostate, or problems urinating (passing urine).
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blurred vision.
• Difficult or painful urination.
• Fast heartbeat.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety, tiredness, or trouble sleeping.
• Dryness in your mouth, nose and throat.
• Headache.
• Mild skin rash.
• Nausea, stomach upset, or loss of appetite.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: