What is dimenhydrinate used for in children? 

Dimenhydrinate is a medication that can typically be used for:

• Motion sickness 

• Postoperative nausea/vomiting 

How does dimenhydrinate work?

• Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that helps block some of the signals to the brain that can cause motion sickness. 

What are the most common side effects seen with dimenhydrinate? 

• Tachycardia (fast heart rate) 

• Drowsiness 

• Dizziness

• Excitement

• Headache

• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)

• Nervousness

• Restlessness

• Dry mouth

• Lack of appetite 

Contraindications

Dimenhydrinate shouldn’t be taken if your child has had an anaphylactic reaction (hives or swelling of the tongue) to dimenhydrinate or any of its components.

Tips & Tricks to administer dimenhydrinate

Dimenhydrinate comes as chewable tablets. For maximum benefit, the medication should be taken 30-60 minutes before travel or activity that causes motion sickness. 

Breast feeding considerations 

• Dimenhydrinate can be present in breast milk if being taken by the mother. 

• There isn’t any published data describing women that are breastfeeding that have also taken dimenhydrinate. 

• Risks of taking dimenhydrinate when breastfeeding include the infant becoming drowsy or irritable. 

• Risk vs. benefit of continuing dimenhydrinate should be discussed with your provider. 

The information in this database regarding prescription drugs is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interaction or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. See disclaimer.