Dramamine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What is Dramamine used for?

Dramamine is a brand name for oral medicine in the form of tablets. This drug contains dimenhydrinate 50 milligrams (mg) as its main active ingredient.

Dimenhidrinat itself belongs to the class of antihistamine drugs, namely drugs that work by preventing problems related to body balance.

This drug is used to treat or prevent problems associated with motion sickness or motion sickness such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches. This medication may also be prescribed to you for other reasons, but always check with your doctor first.

This drug is included in the types of prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter drugs. This means that your doctor may prescribe this medicine for you, but you can also buy it at the pharmacy of your own free will.

How to use Dramamine?

In order to get the maximum benefits of this drug, use this drug in the right way. Here's how to use Dramamine:

• If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, follow the notes given by your doctor, including the dosage. However, if you bought it on your own, read the instructions for use on the drug packaging first. If there is information that you do not understand, ask your pharmacist.
• To get maximum results, this drug should be used 30-60 minutes before traveling or before doing any activity that may make you feel motion sickness .
• Meanwhile, children under 12 years of age will usually be given Dramamine every 6-8 hours as needed to prevent or treat motion sickness.
• This medicine can be taken before or after meals.
• Your doctor usually adjusts the dosage for you based on your health condition as well as your body's response to drug use.
• Do not use less or more than the prescribed dose of this medication. Do not also use this drug for longer than the specified time.
• Tell your doctor right away if after using this medicine your condition does not improve immediately or it gets worse.

How to store this drug?

When using this medicine for a certain period of time, you must store this medicine in a proper manner so that the drug does not spoil and can still be consumed. Here is a good procedure for storing drugs:

• Dramamine medicine should be stored in a place at room temperature. Don't be too hot or too cold.
• Do not leave this drug in a damp place.
• Keep this medication away from exposure to sunlight or direct light.
• Do not store this medication in the bathroom.
• Don't also store them in the freezer until they freeze.
• Dimenhydrinate, the main ingredient in Dramamine, is also available in other brands.
• These other brands may have different ways of storing medicine.
• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Meanwhile, if you are no longer using this drug, you can throw it away. Likewise, if the Dramamine drug validity period has expired.

However, you still have to follow the procedures for disposing of medicinal waste that are correct and safe for the environment. The reason is, if you litter it carelessly, this medicinal waste can pollute the environment.

Make sure you do not throw this medicine waste together with other household waste. Do not also throw this medication in the toilet or other drains.

If you are not sure about how to properly dispose of medicinal waste, you should ask your pharmacist or staff from your local waste disposal agency about how to properly and safely dispose of waste.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Dramamine for adults?

The following is the recommended dosage of Dramamine for adults:

Adult dosage for motion sickness (motion sickness)

• 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
• Maximum dose: 400 mg over a 24 hour period.

Adult dosage for vertigo

• 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
• Maximum dose: 400 mg over a 24 hour period.

Adult dosage for nausea or vomiting

• 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
• Maximum dose: 400 mg over a 24 hour period.

What is the dosage of Dramamine for children?

The following is the recommended dosage of Dramamine for children:

Child dosage for motion sickness (motion sickness)

• For ages 2-5 years: 12.5-25 mg orally every 6-8 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 75 mg within 24 hours.
• For ages 6-11 years: 25-50 mg orally every 6-8 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 150 mg within 24 hours.
• For ages 12 and over: 50-100 mg orally every 6-8 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 400 mg within 24 hours.
• Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years of age.

Children's dosage for vertigo

• For ages 2-5 years: 12.5-25 mg orally every 6-8 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 75 mg within 24 hours.
• For ages 6-11 years: 25-50 mg orally every 6-8 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 150 mg within 24 hours.
• For ages 12 and over: 50-100 mg orally every 6-8 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 400 mg within 24 hours.
• Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years of age.

Children's dosage for nausea and vomiting

• For ages 2-5 years: 12.5-25 mg orally every 6-8 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 75 mg within 24 hours.
• For ages 6-11 years: 25-50 mg orally every 6-8 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 150 mg within 24 hours.
• For ages 12 and over: 50-100 mg orally every 6-8 hours as needed. The maximum dose is 400 mg within 24 hours.
• Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years of age.

In what doses is this drug available?

Dramamine is available in tablet form: 50 mg

Side effects

What side effects might occur if using Dramamine?

As with drug use in general, you will also receive the risk of side effects if you use Dramamine drugs. Side effects that may occur can include health conditions, ranging from mild to quite severe.

Usually, the side effects that are less severe will be experienced more often than the more serious side effects.

The following are less severe side effects that may occur:

• Sleepy
• Headache
• Dizziness that has just appeared or dizziness that has been a long time but feels more painful
• Blurred eyesight
• Ears buzzing
• Mouth, nose and throat feel dry
• Body coordination problems
• Fainting
• Nausea
• In children, becoming more hyperactive or excited about everything

However, you don't need to worry because these minor side effects will usually disappear as your body adapts to the use of the drug.

But if the above side effects don't go away or they get worse, it's better to contact your doctor.

In addition, there are also serious Dramamine side effects that may arise, such as:

• Inability or difficulty urinating
• Feeling confused and there is a change in mood
• Tremor, the body cannot rest
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations or tachycardia)
• In the elderly, side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion are more common.

If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, please contact your doctor immediately and seek immediate medical care.

Not all symptoms of possible side effects are listed above. In fact, not everyone who uses this drug will experience side effects. There are also those who don't feel it at all.

However, if you experience certain side effects that arise after using dramamine drugs, tell your doctor immediately.

Warnings & Precautions

What should you know before using Dramamine?

Before deciding to use this drug, you must know a few things you should do or know. These include:

• Do not use this medicine if you have an allergy to Dramamine or the main active ingredient in this medicine, namely dimenhydrinate.
• Ask your doctor if it is safe to use this drug if you have certain health conditions.
• Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years of age. Incorrect use of children can cause death.
• Tell your doctor if you have any other allergies to drugs, food, coloring agents, preservatives, or even allergies to certain animals.
• Tell your doctor all types of medicines you use, from prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, multivitamins, dietary supplements, to herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• This medicine can cause drowsiness, so avoid doing activities that can require high concentration such as driving, or operating heavy equipment.
• If you are going to have an operation, major or minor, tell your doctor if you are taking this drug.
• If you want to use this medicine for the elderly (65 years and over), be aware of the potential benefits and risks of this medicine as it is less effective than other medicines used to treat similar problems.

Is Dramamine safe to use for pregnant and lactating women?

It is still not certain whether Dramamine is safe for use by pregnant and lactating women. However, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and want to use this drug, ask your doctor first whether using Dramamine is safe for you.

These drugs are included in pregnancy risk category B according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia. The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Meanwhile, for breastfeeding mothers, it is not certain whether Dramamine can be released through breast milk and accidentally consumed by a breastfeeding baby.

If you feel you have to use it, ask your doctor about the potential risks and benefits so you can determine if this medication is safe to use.

Interaction

What medicines can interact with Dramamine?

Drug interactions may occur between these drugs and other drugs if they are taken at the same time. The interactions that occur can have good and bad consequences; depending on what drug Dramamine will interact with.

Therefore, you should record all types of drugs you use. Starting from prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, multivitamins, herbal products, to dietary supplements. Give the note to the pharmacist or doctor so you can help determine the use of the drug and the dosage that should be used.

Dramamine can interact with several types of drugs, but the most frequently interacting are:

• Amitriptyline
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Lyrica (pregabalin)
• Meclizine
• Methadone
• Oxycodone
• Acetaminophen
• Scopolamine
• Seroquel (quetiapine)

What foods and alcohol can interact with Dramamine?

As with drugs, interactions with food are possible. If Dramamine drug interacts with food, there are several things that may happen. The food you eat may change how your medication works or increase your risk of side effects.

When using the drug Dramamine, it is better if you reduce alcohol consumption. The reason is, alcohol can increase the risk of side effects from using this drug such as headaches and drowsiness.

What health conditions can interact with Dramamine?

Not only food and drugs can interact with Dramamine. Some of the health conditions present in your body can also cause interactions to occur. Interactions can increase the risk of side effects, change how the drug works, or make the health condition worse.

Therefore, tell your doctor about any health conditions that you have or are currently experiencing. This can help your doctor determine the correct dosage for your condition. Conditions that you should look out for include:

• Asthma
• Cardiovascular
• Liver disease or disorder
• Kidney problems or disease

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

The following are symptoms of an overdose that may arise if you use the drug Dramamine excessively.

• Enlarged pupils
• Sleepiness that doesn't go away
• Seizures
• In children the side effects that may arise include hallucinations, irritability, insecurity, and drowsiness afterward.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose by forgetting, take the dose as soon as you remember. However, when you remember that it is near the time to take your next dose, forget about the missed dose and take the medication dose according to your usual schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.