Confirmation

Are you sure you want to sign out?

Sign Out Cancel

What's New
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Drug Monographs
Clinical Resources
BCEHS Handbook FAQ
About BCEHS Handbook
Licence Level Filtering

PCP ACP CCP EMR DISPATCH

DimenhyDRINATE

Classification

Antiemetic

Indications

PCP: First line for prevention or control of nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness, vertigo, or pregnancy or when ondansetron is contraindicated

PCP: Second line for relief of moderate to severe nausea in long transport if ondansetron ineffective after 15 to 30 minutes

Contraindications

Known sensitivity to dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, or caffeine derivatives

Adult dosages

PCP and above for all indications:

25-50 mg IV/IM q 4-6h prn
Over 65 years old or frail individuals: 12.5mg IV/IM q 4-6h prn
- Avoid higher doses due to delirium risk

Pediatric Considerations And Dosing

ACP: All indications

Follow weight-based dosing

1 mg/kg IV/IM (max 25mg) q 4-6 hours PRN
Maximum total daily dose 5 mg/kg/day

Preparation and Administration

Intramuscular

Give IM dose as direct injection IV dose should be diluted with saline;

Intravenous

Dilute in 9mL of NS and give at rate of 25mg/minute

How Supplied

Ampoule: 50 mg/mL (1 mL ampoule)

Mechanism Of Action

Inhibits cholinergic vestibular and reticular stimulation from motion.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: 20-30 minutes (IM); almost immediate (IV)
Peak: Unknown
Duration: 3-6 hours (IM/IV)

Adverse Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, urinary retention

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are similar to those of atropine toxicity and can include flushing, dilated pupils, hallucinations, confusion, ataxia, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Treatment is primarily supportive.

Warning And Precautions

Older adults may be particularly susceptible to dimenhyDRINATE’s side effects.
Use with caution in elevated ocular pressure and prostatic hypertrophy

Drug Interactions

DimenhyDRINATE may potentiate the effects of alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants. Drugs with anticholinergic properties, including tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or other antihistamines, may also act synergistically.