Drug reference

dimenhydrinate

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Drug class

Respiratory (Anti Histamine)

Mechanism of action

Dimenhydrinate competes with histamine for the histamine H1 receptor, reversible competitive inhibitor.

Common side effects

  • hyperactivity (especially in children)
  • new or worsening dizziness
  • nausea

Contraindications

  • Documented hypersensitivity to dimenhydrinate or diphenhydramine Lower respiratory disease, eg, asthma (controversial) Preemies and neonates Nursing women

Related conditions

Frequently asked questions

What drug class is dimenhydrinate?

dimenhydrinate belongs to: Respiratory.

How does dimenhydrinate work?

Dimenhydrinate competes with histamine for the histamine H1 receptor, reversible competitive inhibitor.

What are the common side effects of dimenhydrinate?

hyperactivity (especially in children), new or worsening dizziness, nausea

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug reference