What Is Dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate (brand name: Dramamine) is used for the treatment and prevention of to treat and prevent vomiting in dogs and cats. It is also used to for prevention of motion sickness in dogs. Dimenhydrinate is classified as an antihistamine and anticholinergic antiemetic.
All uses for dimenhydrinate in dogs and cats are considered to be “off-label” or “extra-label.”. This means that there may be evidence of safe and effective use, but it is technically not approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for dogs or cats.
There is no veterinary-specific formulation for dogs or cats. The human medicine for humans, which can be used in animals, is available in oral tablets and chewable tablets. It is also available as a human product for injection that can be used in animals. Dimenhydrinate tablets and chewable tablets are available over- the- counter (OTC) without a prescription. The injectable form is only used in veterinary hospitals. Since none of these products are formulated specifically for animals, discuss this with your veterinarian so that you get the right amount for your pet. Contact your veterinary compounding pharmacy for other alternative dosing options.
How Is Dimenhydrinate Used?
Dimenhydrinate is usually given by mouth as a tablet or chewable tablet up to three 3 times a day. Dimenhydrinate also comes in an injectable form that is used in the veterinary clinics. This shot injection is given subcutaneously (underneath the skin), intramuscularly (into a muscle), or intravenously (into a the vein), depending on the needed treatment.
Dimenhydrinate may be given with or without food. If it gives your pet an upset stomach upset occurs, try giving the drug along with a small amount of food or a treat. When giving dimenhydrinate to prevent motion sickness, give the tablet 30-60 minutes before travel.
Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines.
What Are the Benefits of Dimenhydrinate?
The benefits of dimenhydrinate include the following.:
- It’s Dimenhydrinate is useful for treating and preventing vomiting in dogs and cats, except when you suspect that the animal has eaten something toxic.
- Dimenhydrinate is useful in preventing nausea and vomiting if a dog gets experiences motion sickness during travel.
- It Dimenhydrinate comes in tablet, chewable tablet, and injectable forms.A pet can be treated first with the injectable form at a the veterinary clinic, and then continue treatment at home with the tablet form if needed.
- Dimenhydrinate is well- tolerated by animals.
What Follow-Up Is Required With Dimenhydrinate?
You and your veterinarian should monitor your pet for improvement of their condition, as well as for side effects of the medicine. There are usually no routine blood tests that need to be performed.
Does Dimenhydrinate Have Warnings or Side Effects?
Do not use dimenhydrinate in animals that are allergic to it. The safety of dimenhydrinate in pregnant and nursing dogs and cats has not been established, so caution is advised.
Use dimenhydrinate with caution in animals with certain types of glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or a breathing condition like asthma or obstructive lung disease. Use it with caution in animals with a blockage in the stomach, intestine, or bladder. Use it with caution in animals with an overactive thyroid, history of seizures, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
Use dimenhydrinate with care in working dogs, since it can cause sedation that may interfere with duties.
Dimenhydrinate is well- tolerated by dogs and cats. The most common side effects of dimenhydrinate are sedation and tiredness. Other side effects of dimenhydrinate in dogs and cats include:
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty peeing
- Blurry vision
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Racing heart
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
Instead of causing sedation, dimenhydrinate can sometimes cause excitation and aggression in some cats.
Animals with mild side effects will usually improve quickly within a few days once the dimenhydrinate has been stopped.
If you suspect that your pet is having a serious side effect or may have been overdosed, call your veterinary clinic immediately. right away. If it is outside of regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. Note that fees may apply for emergency consultation.
You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Does Dimenhydrinate Interact With Other Medicines (Drug Interactions)?
Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase your pet’s risk of for serious side effects. Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements that your pet is using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if your pet is using any of the following before using dimenhydrinate:.
Anticholinergic medicines. Dimenhydrinate is classified as an anticholinergic medicine. These medicines commonly cause side effects like dry mouth, difficulty peeing, blurry vision, constipation, and a racing heart. There are many other medicines with similar effects. Using them together can increase the risk of these side effects.
Sedating medicines. Dimenhydrinate can cause sedation. Many other medicines such as opioids and anti-anxiety medicines can also cause this. Using them together can increase the risk of extreme sedation.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with dimenhydrinate. Always check with your veterinarian.
Are There Safety Concerns for Pet Owners?
- Keep dimenhydrinate out of the reach of children.
- Wash your hands after giving dimenhydrinate to your pet.
- Do not handle dimenhydrinate if you are allergic to it.
What if My Pet Takes Too Much Medicine or Has an Overdose? What if I Miss a Dose of Medicine?
Call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic right away immediately if you suspect your pet has taken more dimenhydrinate than intended.
Missed doses are not usually a concern with dimenhydrinate, since it is usually just given as needed. If you miss a scheduled dose, give the dose when you remember, then start on a new schedule from that time. Do not double the dose of the medicine.
How Do I Store Dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate should be protected from light and kept at room temperature. Compounded forms of dimenhydrinate should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s recommendations.
