Using dimenhydrinate in combination with certain drugs can lead to increased sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and even death due to synergistic effects. It is crucial to avoid mixing dimenhydrinate with specific medications and consider alternative options whenever possible. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, with doses and treatment duration kept to a minimum.

For instance, caution should be exercised when combining dimenhydrinate with abobotulinumtoxinA, acetaminophen/phenyltoloxamine, acrivastine, or other sedative-enhancing drugs to prevent excessive neuromuscular weakness or systemic effects. Close observation is recommended to avoid potential adverse reactions when taking dimenhydrinate with medications like eluxadoline and metoclopramide intranasal, which may intensify its effects.

Dimenhydrinate may decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs like pitolisant and secretin when taken together, suggesting the need for alternative treatment options to achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes. The sedative effects of dimenhydrinate can be heightened by combining it with other drugs, emphasizing the importance of careful monitoring and exploring alternative treatments.

Various medications can interact with dimenhydrinate, leading to increased sedation or potentially dangerous outcomes. It is essential to exercise caution and closely monitor patients when using dimenhydrinate in combination with other drugs.

Minor (43)

• Aclidinium

Dimenhydrinate can increase the toxicity of aclidinium through pharmacodynamic synergism, with the precise significance being unknown. Watch out for potential additive anticholinergic effects.

Combining dimenhydrinate with anticholinergic/sedative combinations can lead to increased toxicity through pharmacodynamic synergism. The exact significance of this interaction is unclear, so monitor closely for additive anticholinergic effects.

Ashwagandha may enhance the effects of dimenhydrinate through pharmacodynamic synergism, with minor significance that is not well understood, potentially leading to increased CNS depression.

Watch for potential additive anticholinergic effects when using dimenhydrinate with atracurium, atropine, belladonna alkaloids, or other medications that may interact synergistically, even though the exact significance of these interactions remains unknown.

Brimonidine can enhance the effects of dimenhydrinate through synergistic pharmacodynamic interactions, with minor significance that is not clearly defined. This may result in increased CNS depression, so caution is advised.

When dimenhydrinate is combined with various medications, it can increase their toxicity through pharmacodynamic synergism. The significance of this interaction is minor and not fully understood, so it is important to be vigilant for any additive anticholinergic effects.
Both dimenhydrinate and eucalyptus can enhance sedation, although the extent of this effect is unclear.
It is crucial to closely monitor the combination of dimenhydrinate with different drugs due to the potential for increased sedation and other risks. Additive effects may impair cognitive and motor function, leading to daytime impairment.
Caution is especially warranted when combining dimenhydrinate with medications that have anticholinergic properties, as synergistic interactions can intensify effects, resulting in excessive sedation or muscle weakness.
In cases where the interaction is not well defined, caution and close monitoring are advised. Adjustments to treatment or the use of alternative medications may be necessary to prevent serious adverse reactions.
Overall, it is essential to exercise caution and monitor closely when using dimenhydrinate with other drugs to ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes.

Combining salmeterol with dimenhydrinate may result in a reduction of sedation effects, although the exact interaction is not fully understood.

Both scopolamine and dimenhydrinate can lead to increased sedation, so caution is advised when using them together. Additionally, the combination of scopolamine intranasal and dimenhydrinate should be approached with care.

Close monitoring is necessary when using dimenhydrinate with scullcap, as it can enhance sedation.

A serious issue arises with the combination of dimenhydrinate and secretin, as the former decreases the effects of the latter through pharmacodynamic antagonism. It is recommended to avoid this combination or use an alternative drug. Anticholinergic drugs may also lead to a hyporesponse when used alongside secretin, so it is advised to discontinue anticholinergic drugs before administering secretin.

Both sevoflurane and dimenhydrinate have the potential to increase sedation, so caution and close monitoring are necessary.

Enhanced sedation is a concern when dimenhydrinate is combined with Siberian ginseng.

Similar caution is advised when using sodium oxybate with dimenhydrinate, as both substances can increase sedation.

The combination of dimenhydrinate and shepherd’s purse may also lead to increased sedation, requiring caution and monitoring.

Sodium oxybate and dimenhydrinate are both known to increase sedation and caution is recommended to avoid serious outcomes. These drugs are advised to be used separately to prevent actions of pharmacodynamic synergism that may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

Stiripentol and dimenhydrinate can enhance each other’s effects, leading to increased sedation, so caution and monitoring are required.

Caution is needed when combining dimenhydrinate with sufentanil, as both substances can increase sedation.

The combination of tasimelteon and dimenhydrinate can lead to increased sedation, necessitating caution and monitoring.

Dimenhydrinate combined with temazepam or terbutaline can affect sedation, emphasizing the need for caution and monitoring.

Increased sedation may occur when dimenhydrinate is combined with tetrabenazine, thalidomide, thioridazine, or thiothixene, so caution and monitoring are advised.

Enhanced sedation may result from the combination of dimenhydrinate and tiagabine, indicating the importance of caution and monitoring.

Use caution when combining dimenhydrinate with tiotropium, as it may affect toxicity levels.

Both tizanidine and dimenhydrinate can lead to increased sedation, so caution and monitoring are necessary.

Similar caution should be taken when using tolcapone with dimenhydrinate, as both substances can increase sedation.

Dimenhydrinate combined with topiramate can cause boosted sedation, requiring therapy modification and close monitoring.

Caution is advised when combining dimenhydrinate with tramadol, trazodone, triazolam, or triclofos, as all these combinations can lead to increased sedation.

Dimenhydrinate combined with trospium chloride or valproic acid can escalate sedation, necessitating caution and close monitoring.

Increased sedation may result when dimenhydrinate is combined with vecuronium or vigabatrin, requiring caution and monitoring.

The combination of xanomeline/trospium and dimenhydrinate should be carefully monitored, as either drug can enhance the effects of the other through pharmacodynamic synergism.

Dimenhydrinate can increase sedation while xylometazoline decreases it, so caution and monitoring are necessary in their combination.

Similarly, combining dimenhydrinate with yohimbine may lead to increased sedation, indicating the need for caution and monitoring.

Use caution and monitor closely when combining zaleplon with dimenhydrinate, as they can enhance sedation.

Combining dimenhydrinate with ziconotide or ziprasidone may result in boosted sedation, requiring caution and monitoring.

Both zolpidem and dimenhydrinate can increase sedation, so caution and monitoring are important in their combination.

When using dimenhydrinate with zonisamide or zotepine, caution and monitoring are necessary as both drugs can affect sedation.

The combination of dimenhydrinate and zuranolone can lead to increased sedation and should be approached with caution, and an alternative to zuranolone may be considered due to potential pharmacodynamic synergism.

Adverse Effects

Incidence and severity of side effects vary depending on the specific drug, as well as individual patient susceptibility.

Frequency Not Defined

Paradoxical CNS stimulation may occur, particularly in children but occasionally in adults.

Sedation ranging from mild drowsiness to deep sleep is the most common side effect.

Restlessness, insomnia, tremors, euphoria, nervousness, delirium, and palpitations are less common side effects.

Rare side effects may include cholestasis, hepatitis, hepatic failure, abnormal hepatic function, and jaundice.

Eczema, pruritus, inflammation, papular rash, and erythema on exposed skin are also possible with topical formulations.

Other side effects may include tachycardia, palpitations, ECG changes such as widened QRS, arrhythmias like extrasystole and heart block, as well as dizziness, sedation, and hypotension in geriatric patients.

Dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat, as well as tightness of the chest and thickening of bronchial secretions, are also potential side effects.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider if any of these side effects occur, and to report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.

Warnings

Contraindications

Individuals with documented hypersensitivity to dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine should avoid use.

There is controversy regarding the use of dimenhydrinate in patients with lower respiratory diseases like asthma.

Preemies and neonates should also use caution when considering dimenhydrinate.

Cautions

Dimenhydrinate may impair the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery, as well as mask early signs of ototoxicity if combined with ototoxic drugs like aminoglycosides.

Patients with seizures, angle-closure glaucoma, enlarged prostate gland, asthma, emphysema, or acute hepatic insufficiency should exercise caution when using dimenhydrinate.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: B

Lactation: Crosses into breast milk, so discontinuation of the drug or avoiding nursing is recommended.

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Animal studies suggest no risk, but human studies are not available or minor risks in animal studies with no risk seen in human studies.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies indicate risk, but human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies have been conducted.

D: Reserved for LIFE-THREATENING emergencies where no safer drug is available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Avoid use in pregnancy as risks outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Ethanolamine H1 antagonist containing diphenhydramine and 8-chloro-theophylline, where the pharmacological effects mainly stem from the diphenhydramine moiety with CNS depressant, anticholinergic, antiemetic, antihistamine, and local anesthetic properties.

The antiemetic action of dimenhydrinate may come from inhibiting vestibular stimulation and acetylcholine.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life: Unknown (approximately 3.5 hours for diphenhydramine)

Onset: 20-30 minutes (IM), 15-30 minutes (PO), almost immediate (IV)

Bioavailability: Well absorbed

Metabolism: Extensively metabolized in the liver, based on diphenhydramine data

Excretion: Principally via urine (as metabolites)

Administration

IV Compatibilities

Solution: Compatible with most common solvents

Additives: Various medications included that are compatible with dimenhydrinate

Syringe: Additionally, a list of medications compatible with dimenhydrinate when given via syringe is provided

Specific administration guidelines and precautions: It is recommended to administer dimenhydrinate as directed by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow proper dosing instructions and monitor for any potential side effects. Patients should be advised to report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider.

Storage: Keep in a dry place at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Dispose of properly when past the expiration date or no longer necessary.

Pricing details: The brand Driminate oral, known as Dramamine, may vary in cost depending on the pharmacy and insurance coverage. Patients are advised to check with their healthcare provider or pharmacist for specific pricing information.

Additional information: Common uses of dimenhydrinate include the prevention and treatment of motion sickness and vertigo. It is important to be aware of potential drug interactions and overdose symptoms. Patients should follow dosage instructions carefully and seek medical attention in case of an overdose.

Disclaimer: Copyright(c) 2025 First Databank, Inc. This summary may not contain all the details about this product. It does not guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or suitability of this product for you. It is not personalized medical advice. For comprehensive information about this product and your specific health requirements, consult with a healthcare provider.