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

Dimenhydrinate

Meclizine

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 Meclizine

Prescription or over-the-counter

Meclizine is an antihistamine. It's used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness from motion sickness or vertigo. It's available in both prescription (to treat vertigo) and over-the-counter (to treat motion sickness) forms. Meclizine also comes as a chewable tablet or pill that you swallow whole. Some common side effects of meclizine include sleepiness, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating.

Indications for Meclizine

Over-the-counter (OTC) meclizine: Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness from motion sickness
Prescription meclizine: Vertigo (feeling like your surroundings are moving or spinning)

Pros and Cons for Meclizine

Pros

Works well to treat symptoms of motion sickness and vertigo
Available as chewable tablets and oral pills
Available as a lower-cost generics
Effects can last for a full day

Cons

Can make you sleepy or dizzy
Not available as a liquid form
Not approved for use in children less than 12 years old (especially Antivert, which isn't approved for use in children younger than 18 years of age)
Not the best choice for people over 65 years old, people with glaucoma, or people with problems urinating