Brand Gravol Liquid

Dimenhydrinate is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness when medication cannot be given by mouth. It is most effective when given to prevent motion sickness rather than as a treatment for symptoms that have already started. Dimenhydrinate injection should not be used in newborns because of an increased risk of side effects. Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine. It is not known exactly how it treats motion sickness. It is thought to work by blocking a certain natural substance (acetylcholine) and preventing its effects on the inner ear. The inner ear helps maintain your sense of balance and position.

This medication is injected into a vein (IV), or it can be injected into a muscle by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Before using dimenhydrinate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), glaucoma, stomach problems (e.g., ulcers, obstruction), difficulty urinating (e.g., due to an enlarged prostate gland), heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, mental/mood changes, seizures, overactive thyroid. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit the use of alcohol and certain other medications that cause drowsiness. (See also Drug Interactions.) To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they are more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead of drowsiness. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, drowsiness and low blood pressure. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray), antispasmodics (e.g., atropine, belladonna alkaloids), certain antibiotics that may harm the ears (e.g., aminoglycosides such as gentamicin), drugs for Parkinson's disease (e.g., anticholinergics such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine), scopolamine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, constipation, stomach upset, vision changes (e.g., blurred vision), irritability, decreased coordination, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. These effects may decrease as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva substitute. Dimenhydrinate can dry up and thicken the mucus in your lungs, making it more difficult to breathe and clear your lungs. To help prevent this effect, be sure to drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your physician. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: pounding/irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears, seizure, difficulty urinating. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.