Kinetic motion sickness is a discomfort that occurs after movement caused by a boat, car, bicycle or any means of transportation. It can trigger unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, imbalances, among others.
Well, in order to facilitate travel, medications are indicated that prevent and treat this problem, one of them is Dimenhydrinate.
In this post, we will explain what Dimenhydrinate is, how it is used and what precautions should be taken in order to prevent side effects.
What is Dimenhydrinate?
- Formula: C 24H 28 ClN 5 O 3
- Routes of administration: Oral, rectal, intravascular, intramuscular
It is an antihistamine type medication . It comes from diphenhydramine and 8-chlorotheophylline.
This drug has the power to prevent discomfort caused by motion sickness ; dizziness, sweating or brain disturbance that occurs in movement.
This anticholinergic, antivertigo, and antiemetic drug comes in different forms for ease of administration; tablets, drinkable ampoules, chewing gum, syrup, suppositories, etc.
For which conditions is Dimenhydrinate prescribed?
This drug is used to treat motion sickness or body balance problems. Inhibits gastric hypersecretion and hypermotility, affecting the response of the central nervous system.
- Prevents and treats vertigo
- nausea/vomiting
- cold sweating
- dizzy
It can be found at any pharmacy with or without a prescription.
Brand names of Dimenhydrinate
It is possible to find Dimenhydrinate in any pharmacy under different trade names:
- Cinfamar®
- Saldeva®
- Salvarina®
- Biodramina®
- Travel Well®
- Cinfamar Solution®
There are generic brands whose effectiveness rate is high and have a lower cost.
How is Dimenhydrinate used?
This medicine has several administration formats. However, the most common is tablet (tablet) and chewable tablet (gum/gum).
Dimenhydrinate should be used at least one hour before starting the trip or starting any movement activity; get on the plane, car, bike, etc.
This medicine can be used in patients over 12 years of age. Its administration is indicated every 6 to 8 hours.
In children from 2 years of age, a doctor should be consulted.
The maximum dose per day is 400 mg. It is important to consider that this drug in tablet format is taken sublingually, that is, water is not required to swallow, rather, the tablet is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely.
Side effects of Dimenhydrinate
It is possible that this drug produces side effects, however, not all patients suffer from it. Some of these symptoms are mild and tend to go away quickly.
Here are the most common side effects:
- Headache
- Difficulty urinating
- Drowsiness
- dilation of the pupil of the eye
- Dry mouth
- dizziness
- Nausea
- Mood swings, hyperactivity
- vision changes
- ringing in the ear
- body imbalance
Side effects are possible , in which it will be necessary to seek medical help immediately:
- Changes in heart rhythm
- numbness of the tongue
- hemolytic anemia
- Thrombocytopenia (nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
What precautions should be taken before using Dimenhydrinate?
Before starting a treatment with Dimenhydrinate, the following information should be considered.
- This medicine can cause drowsiness, so precautions must be taken when driving any vehicle.
- Inform about any surgical intervention; so be dental.
- Tell your family doctor if you are pregnantor lactating .
- During the intake of this medication; in any of its formats, alcoholic beverages should not be consumed, as it may increase the risk of developing side effects.
- It is convenient to mention the medical history to the specialist, that is, if you suffer from glaucoma, seizures, asthma or any other condition.
- Notify about the use of other medicines or herbs, vitamin supplements or any product that is being administered.
We recommend reading the medication leaflet carefully, because depending on the format, chewables, syrup, suppository, etc., other precautions must be taken.
Contraindications of Dimenhydrinate
The administration of this drug is not recommended in some patients, because it can cause health alterations, in fact, it is possible to develop diseases if it is used for a long time or in higher doses than indicated.
- This medicine is contraindicated in patients allergic to Dimenhydrinate, aspirin, or any of its components.
- It should not be administered to babies. The appropriate dose for a child should be consulted with a doctor. We recommend reading the prospectus.
- It should not be administered in patients with: stenosing peptic ulcer, bladder neck obstruction, hepatic or renal failure, asthma and prostatic hypertrophy.
- Contraindicated in patients with angle-closure glaucoma.
- Combined use with ototoxic antibiotics is not recommended.
In conclusion, this antihistamine contributes to enjoying road, air and water trips, therefore, it is an ally to enjoy day to day. However, it is necessary to take into account some recommendations in its use, to reduce the incidence of side effects.
