Dimenhydrinate vs. Diphenhydramine for Motion Sickness: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Dimenhydrinate

Diphenhydramine

Summary for Dimenhydrinate

Over-the-counter

Dimenhydrinate is an over-the-counter medication that helps prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, or dizziness from motion sickness. It's a type of antihistamine and anticholinergic medication. It has many brand names, including Dramamine and Dramamine For Kids, and is also available as a generic. Dimenhydrinate comes as tablets, chewable tablets, and a syrup. The dosage depends on your age and the form of the medication you're using. It's usually taken a few times a day as needed. Side effects include feeling drowsy, dizzy, and constipated.

Indications for Dimenhydrinate

Prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, or dizziness from motion sickness

Pros and Cons for Dimenhydrinate

Pros

Helps both prevent and treat symptoms of motion sickness
Available over the counter as oral tablets, chewable tablets, or syrup
Okay for children as young as 2 years old to take

Cons

Can make you sleepy or dizzy
Might need to take as often as every 4 to 6 hours for lasting prevention or symptom relief
Not the best choice for people over 65 years old, people with glaucoma, or people with problems urinating

Common Side Effects for Dimenhydrinate

Sleepiness
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Constipation
Blurry vision

Warnings for Dimenhydrinate

Sleepiness
Worsening of certain medical conditions
Accidentally taking too much medication (accidental overdose)
Use with caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

Summary for Diphenhydramine

Over-the-counter

Diphenhydramine, also known by the brand name Benadryl, is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve allergy or common cold symptoms in adults and children. It comes as pills and a liquid and is typically taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Because it can make you drowsy, some people also use it as a sleep aid at bedtime. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Indications for Diphenhydramine

Short-term relief of allergy or common cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes) - people 6 years and older
Occasional trouble sleeping - people 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Diphenhydramine

Pros

Relieves allergy and cold symptoms in about 15 to 30 minutes
Safe for children as young as 6 years old
Available over the counter
Comes as pills and liquid

Cons

Can make you feel sleepy or dizzy
Might need to take multiple times a day for symptom relief
Not the best choice for older adults
Can worsen certain conditions like glaucoma and stomach ulcers

Common Side Effects for Diphenhydramine

Sleepiness
Dizziness
Constipation
Blurry vision
Dry mouth

Warnings for Diphenhydramine

Sleepiness
Accidental overdose
Worsening of certain health problems

Prices with our coupons for Dimenhydrinate vs. Diphenhydramine

Dimenhydrinate24 tablets / 50mg

$9.59$11.56

Get free coupons

More Information

Diphenhydramine30 capsules / 25mg

$9.66-

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Dimenhydrinate vs. Diphenhydramine

Dimenhydrinate

Diphenhydramine

Summary for Dimenhydrinate

Indications for Dimenhydrinate

Pros and Cons for Dimenhydrinate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dimenhydrinate

Warnings for Dimenhydrinate

Summary for Diphenhydramine

Indications for Diphenhydramine

Pros and Cons for Diphenhydramine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Diphenhydramine

Warnings for Diphenhydramine

Prices with our coupons for Dimenhydrinate vs. Diphenhydramine

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Dimenhydrinate

Diphenhydramine

Summary for Dimenhydrinate

Indications for Dimenhydrinate

Pros and Cons for Dimenhydrinate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dimenhydrinate

Warnings for Dimenhydrinate

Summary for Diphenhydramine

Indications for Diphenhydramine

Pros and Cons for Diphenhydramine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Diphenhydramine

Warnings for Diphenhydramine