Dimenhydrinate
Also known as: Dramamine, Gravol, Dimetabs, Triptone, Dinate, Dramanate, Dymenate
> **Travel Tip**: For motion sickness, administer the medication 30 to 60 minutes before travel begins for the best effect. * **Sedation**: This medication commonly causes drowsiness and lethargy. Ensure your pet is in a safe environment. * **Dry Mouth**: Your pet may experience a dry mouth; ensure fresh water is always available. * **Human Products**: Do not use human combination cold or allergy products (which may contain decongestants or pain relievers like acetaminophen) as these can be highly toxic to pets. Only use the exact product recommended by your veterinarian. * Contact your veterinarian if you notice severe agitation, seizures, or difficulty urinating.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Prevention and treatment of motion sickness/vomiting
- Prevention and treatment of motion sickness/vomiting
- Antihistamine
- Adjunctive treatment of pancreatitis
- Prevention and treatment of motion sickness (antiemetic)
- Prevention and treatment of motion sickness
- Antihistamine
How it is given
Possible side effects
- CNS depression (lethargy, somnolence)
- Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention)
- GI effects (diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia - less common)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to dimenhydrinate or other antihistamines in its class
- Angle closure glaucoma (use with caution)
- Prostatic hypertrophy (use with caution)
- Pyloroduodenal or bladder neck obstruction (use with caution)
- COPD if mucosal secretions are a problem (use with caution)
- Hyperthyroidism, seizure disorders, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension (use with caution)
- > **Working Dogs**: The sedative effects of antihistamines may adversely affect the performance of working dogs. > **Allergy Testing**: Antihistamines can decrease the wheal and flare response to antigen skin testing. Discontinue at least 4 days before testing. * Tolerance to the CNS depressant effects can ensue after a few days of therapy, and antiemetic effectiveness may also diminish with prolonged use. * Safe for use during pregnancy if used cautiously (FDA Category B in humans; Papich Class B in veterinary). Small amounts are excreted in milk but are unlikely to pose much risk to nursing offspring.
Drug interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants): May potentiate the anticholinergic effects of other anticholinergic drugs.
- CNS Depressant Drugs: Increased sedation can occur if combined with other CNS depressants.
- Ototoxic Drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides): May mask the clinical signs of ototoxicity; use with caution when administering concomitantly.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dimenhydrinate used for in pets?
> **Travel Tip**: For motion sickness, administer the medication 30 to 60 minutes before travel begins for the best effect. * **Sedation**: This medication commonly causes drowsiness and lethargy. Ensure your pet is in a safe environment. * **Dry Mouth**: Your pet may experience a dry mouth; ensure fresh water is always available. * **Human Products**: Do not use human combination cold or allergy products (which may contain decongestants or pain relievers like acetaminophen) as these can be highly toxic to pets. Only use the exact product recommended by your veterinarian. * Contact your veterinarian if you notice severe agitation, seizures, or difficulty urinating.
Is Dimenhydrinate safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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