Dimenhydrinate

DRAMAMINE

Pronunciation: dye-men-HYE-dri-nayt

What it isSedating H1 and muscarinic antagonist formulated with a stimulant counter-ion; motion sickness and vestibular nausea.

Why this oneTreats vestibular nausea, which 5-HT3 antagonists do not.

What limits itAnticholinergic burden and sedation limit use. Prolonged treatment suppresses vestibular compensation and delays recovery.

Dimenhydrinate prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Antiemetics (1946–2026). Dimenhydrinate enters in 1949 (estimated).

Principal riskAnticholinergic burden and sedation

Therapeutic safety burden1 / 4

Overdose danger2 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability3 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism3 / 4

Embryofetal risk1 / 4

Defining liabilityMarked sedation and antimuscarinic toxicity

NO BOXED WARNINGS

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Prevention/treatment of motion sickness	Adults & children ≥12 y	1–2 tablets q4–6h	1–2 tablets q4–6h	8 tablets/24h
Prevention/treatment of motion sickness	Children 6 to <12 y	½–1 tablet q6–8h	½–1 tablet q6–8h	3 tablets/24h
Prevention/treatment of motion sickness	Children 2 to <6 y	½ tablet q6–8h	½ tablet q6–8h	1½ tablets/24h

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Do not exceed the age-specific 24-hour maximum.

To prevent motion sickness, take the first dose ½ to 1 hour before starting activity
Do not take more than directed
Children under 2 years: do not use except under advice of a doctor

Available strengths

Pregnancy Undefined

Lactation Undefined

Dimenhydrinate (DRAMAMINE)

What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26 · OTC

Strength		#/mo	generic $/unit	CostPlus
25 mg	tab	per unit		not offered
50 mg	tab	per unit	$0.06/ea	not offered

Which nausea type can dimenhydrinate treat that 5-HT3 antagonists do not?
Vestibular nausea.
Why can prolonged dimenhydrinate delay recovery?
Suppresses vestibular compensation.