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Compare Dramamine vs. Zofran

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and ondansetron (Zofran) can both be used to prevent nausea and vomiting, but they belong to different medication classes. Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine and anticholinergic, while ondansetron is an antiemetic that works by blocking serotonin. Dimenhydrinate is available over-the-counter in forms like tablets, chewable tablets, and syrup, and is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours. Ondansetron, on the other hand, is a prescription medication available as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and liquid, and is usually taken every 8 to 12 hours. Dimenhydrinate can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation, while ondansetron may lead to headaches, fatigue, and either constipation or diarrhea. Dimenhydrinate is not recommended for people with glaucoma or urinary problems, and it can interact with other antihistamines. Ondansetron can interact with medications that affect serotonin levels and may cause serious heart rhythm problems

  • Dimenhydrinate
    Ondansetron (Zofran)
  • Dimenhydrinate
    Ondansetron (Zofran)

  • Summary of Dramamine vs. Zofran

    Summary for Antihistamine

    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.

    Summary for Antiemetic
    Prescription only

    Ondansetron (Zofran) is an antiemetic (or anti-nausea) medication. It's used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery or cancer treatments. It works by stopping a chemical called serotonin from binding to receptors in the brain that cause the feeling of nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron (Zofran) is taken by mouth, typically every 8 to 12 hours. It comes in different formulations, including orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) and oral solution. It can also be given as injection by a healthcare professional (HCP) in a hospital setting. Side effects of this medication include headache, tiredness, and constipation or diarrhea.

  • Indications of Dramamine vs. Zofran

    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, or dizziness from motion sickness
    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery

  • Pros and Cons of Dramamine vs. Zofran

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    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
    Pros and Const for Antiemetic
    Pros
    •Can use for both adults and children
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as a liquid, dissolvable tablet, and injection for people who have problems swallowing pills or are too nauseous to keep medication down
    •Possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times daily
    •Might cause headache
    •Can interact with certain medications, like antidepressants and migraine medications
    •Not the best option for people who are at risk for stomach or gut blockages (bowel problems)

  • Common Side Effects of Dramamine vs. Zofran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth
    •Constipation
    •Blurry vision
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 24%)
    •Fatigue (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 9%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)

  • Warnings of Dramamine vs. Zofran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Accidentally taking too much medication (accidental overdose)
    •Use with caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of heart attack
    •Masking of gut blockage and stomach bloating
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Dramamine vs. Zofran

    Learn more about Dimenhydrinate
    Learn more about Ondansetron

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