Do you feel dizzy or nauseous while riding a bus or car? While this is normal for some people, for others, this condition called motion sickness is unbearable. Dimenhydrinate is a medication that doctors use to control nausea and vomiting caused by conditions like this, as well as other medical conditions. Since it is mostly given as an injection, let's talk about it in a little more detail and simply today.
Simply put, what is this Dimenhydrinate injection?
Simply put, Dimenhydrinate is a medication that helps prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness that you experience when traveling. It works by affecting the system that helps your body maintain balance. That is, it controls unwanted signals that go to the brain, reducing the discomfort you feel.
This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines . You may have heard of the 'sweet' medicines given for allergies and colds. They are also antihistamines. But this medicine called Dimenhydrinate is specifically used to control nausea and vomiting. Sometimes this medicine can also be used for other medical reasons. Your doctor will explain this to you.
Things you need to tell your doctor before getting this injection
This is very important. Before taking any medicine, it is essential to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Because, in the presence of certain medical conditions, giving this medicine can cause problems. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to inform your doctor.
| Illness or condition | Why should I notify? (Brief explanation) |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma (eye condition) | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Heart disease | Some heart conditions may be affected. |
| Liver disease | Since the liver helps to remove medications from the body, liver disease can have side effects. |
| Lung or respiratory disease (e.g., asthma, emphysema ) | May cause difficulty breathing. |
| Difficulty or pain in urinating | This medicine may make it more difficult to urinate. |
| Prostate trouble | Men, especially, may experience increased difficulty urinating. |
| Rare diseases such as Phenylketonuria or Porphyria | These diseases can have a negative impact. |
| Epilepsy or seizures (Seizures) | The risk of seizures may increase. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | It is very important if you are allergic to this medicine or similar medicines. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | The doctor should consider the possible effects on the fetus. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How do you get this medicine?
This medicine is not given as a pill, but as an injection. It is not something you can use at home. It is given under the supervision of a doctor or nursing staff in a hospital or clinic . It can be given subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. This is up to your doctor to decide.
Do you give this to children?
Yes, sometimes this medicine is given to children on the advice of a doctor. But it requires special care. Things like dosage need to be decided very carefully.
What do you do if the dose is too high?
Since this is given in a hospital, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you think something has happened, inform your doctor or nurse immediately. Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . It is also important to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Other things to be careful of when taking this medicine
This medicine may interact with some other things, so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
- Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol for any reason. Combining this medication with alcohol can greatly increase drowsiness and dizziness.
- MAOIs: These are a type of medication used to treat conditions such as depression. Dimenhydrinate may interact with these medications.
- Other medicines for colds or allergies: These may also contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.
- Any other medicine that makes you sleepy: things like painkillers, tranquilizers, etc.
What should you pay attention to while taking the medicine?
There are some things you need to be careful about after taking the medicine.
- Dry mouth: You may feel like your mouth is dry. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water can help. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor .
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: Your eyes may feel dry and your vision may be a little blurry. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used. But if the problem persists, tell your doctor .
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This is the most important and most commonly seen effect.
You may feel very sleepy and dizzy after taking this medicine. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a sitting or standing position. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
Side Effects to Know
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor/nurse immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Sudden eye pain or change in appearance | Blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, and loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability to urinate or difficulty urinating. |
| Things that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Confusion | An inability to concentrate. |
| Constipation | Difficulty going to the toilet. |
| Dizziness | Feeling dizzy. |
| Drowsiness | This is to be expected. |
| Dry mouth | A feeling of saliva in the mouth. |
About storing medicine
Since this is given as an injection in a hospital or clinic, you don't have to take this medicine home. So you don't have to worry about storing it. That's the responsibility of the hospital staff.
Take-Home Message
- Dimenhydrinate is an injection used to treat vomiting, nausea, and dizziness, especially motion sickness.
- Before receiving this injection, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- This medication can make you very drowsy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking the medicine.
- If you experience any changes in your vision, difficulty urinating, or severe allergic symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
- This article is just a summary. Please talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
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