Dimenhydrinate

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Also indexed as:

Dramamine, Hydrate, Marmine, Nico-Vert, Triptone

Dimenhydrinate is a combination of two drugs, diphenhydramine and chlorotheophylline. Dimenhydrinate is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and motion sickness.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Dimenhydrinate

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	Henbane*
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Herbs

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)

Antihistamines, including dimenhydrinate, can cause "anticholinergic" side effects such as dryness of mouth and heart palpitations. Henbane also has anticholinergic activity and side effects. Therefore, use with dimenhydrinate could increase the risk of anticholinergic side effects,¹ though apparently no interactions have yet been reported with dimenhydrinate and henbane. Henbane should not be taken except by prescription from a physician trained in its use, as it is extremely toxic.

Other Interactions

Alcohol

Dimenhydrinate causes drowsiness.² Alcohol may intensify this effect and increase the risk of accidental injury.³ To prevent problems, people taking dimenhydrinate or dimenhydrinate-containing products should avoid alcohol.

References

1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council, 1998, 146.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Antihistamines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1989, 188-94c.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Antihistamines. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1989, 188-94c.

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Last Review: 09-01-2007

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