Name /bks_53161_deglins_md_disk/dimenhydrinate 02/25/2014 09:34AM Plate # 0-Composite pg 1 # 1

1 diarrhea, dry mouth. GU: dysuria, frequency. Derm: photosensitivity. Local: pain
at IM site.
PDF Page #1
dimenhyDRINATE (dye-men-hye-dri-nate) Interactions
Anti-Nauseant, Calm X, Dimetabs, Dinate, Dramamine, Dramanate, Drug-Drug:qCNS depression with other antihistamines, alcohol, opioid an-
Gravol, Hydrate, Nauseatol, Traveltabs, Triptone Caplets algesics, and sedative/hypnotics. May mask signs or symptoms of ototoxicity in
Classification patients receiving ototoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, ethacrynic acid).qanti-
Therapeutic: antiemetics, antihistamines cholinergic properties with tricyclic antidepressants, quinidine, or disopyram-
Pregnancy Category B ide. MAO inhibitors intensify and prolong the anticholinergic effects of antihista-
mines.
Indications Route/Dosage
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and vertigo accompanying motion sickness. PO (Adults): 50– 100 mg q 4 hr (not to exceed 400 mg/day).
PO (Children 6– 12 yr): 25– 50 mg q 6– 8 hr (not to exceed 300 mg/day).
Action Rect (Adults): 50– 100 mg q 6– 8 hr.
Inhibits vestibular stimulation. Has significant CNS depressant, anticholinergic, anti- Rect (Children 8– 12 yr): 25– 50 mg q 8– 12 hr.
histaminic, and antiemetic properties. Therapeutic Effects: Decreased vestibular Rect (Children 6– 8 yr): 12.5– 25 mg q 8– 12 hr.
stimulation, which may prevent motion sickness. IM, IV (Adults): 50 mg q 4 hr as needed.
IM, IV (Children): 1.25 mg/kg (37.5 mg/m2) q 6 hr as needed (not to exceed 300
Pharmacokinetics mg/day).
Absorption: Well absorbed after oral or IM administration.
Distribution: Probably crosses the placenta and enters breast milk. NURSING IMPLICATIONS
Metabolism and Excretion: Metabolized by the liver. Assessment
Half-life: Unknown. ● Assess nausea, vomiting, bowel sounds, and abdominal pain before and after ad-
TIME/ACTION PROFILE (anti– motion sickness, antiemetic activity) ministration of this drug. Dimenhydrinate may mask the signs of an acute abdo-
ROUTE ONSET PEAK DURATION
men.
● Monitor intake and output, including emesis. Assess for signs of dehydration (ex-
PO 15–60 min 1–2 hr 3–6 hr cessive thirst, dry skin and mucous membranes, tachycardia, increased urine spe-
Rect 30–45 min unknown 6–12 hr cific gravity, poor skin turgor).
IM 20–30 min 1–2 hr 3–6 hr
● Lab Test Considerations: Will cause false-negative allergy skin test results;
IV rapid unknown 3–6 hr
discontinue 72 hr before testing.
Contraindications/Precautions Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity; Some products contain alcohol or tartra- Risk for deficient fluid volume (Indications)
zine; in patients with known intolerance. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements (Indications)
Use Cautiously in: Angle-closure glaucoma; Seizure disorders; Prostatic hyper- Risk for injury (Side Effects)
plasia.
Implementation
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects ● When used for prophylaxis of motion sickness, administer at least 30 min and
CNS: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, paradoxical excitation (children). EENT: preferably 1– 2 hr before exposure to conditions that may precipitate motion
blurred vision, tinnitus. CV: hypotension, palpitations. GI: anorexia, constipation, sickness.
⫽ Canadian drug name. ⫽ Genetic Implication. CAPITALS indicate life-threatening, underlines indicate most frequent. Strikethrough ⫽ Discontinued.
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● PO: Use calibrated measuring device when administering liquid dose. PDF Page #2
● IM: Administer into well-developed muscle; massage well.

IV Administration
● Direct IV: Diluent: Dilute 50 mg in 0.9% NaCl for injection. Concentration:
5 mg/mL. Rate: Inject over 2 min.
● Y-Site Compatibility: acyclovir, ciprofloxacin, fluconazole, ketamine, metroni-
dazole.
● Solution Compatibility: D5W, 0.45% NaCl, 0.9% NaCl, Ringer’s solution, lac-
tated Ringer’s solution, dextrose/saline combinations, or dextrose/Ringer’s com-
binations.
Patient/Family Teaching
● Instruct patient to take dimenhydrinate as directed.
● May cause drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requir-
ing alertness until response to the drug is known.
● Inform patient that this medication may cause dry mouth. Frequent oral rinses,
good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or candy may minimize this effect.
● Caution patient to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants concurrently with this
medication.
● Advise patient to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity
reactions.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
● Prevention or decreased severity of nausea and vomiting, vertigo, or motion sick-
ness.
Why was this drug prescribed for your patient?

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