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Dimenhydrinate Coupon - Dimenhydrinate 50mg tablet

dimenhydrinate

Generic Dramamine
Used for Nausea, Motion Sickness
Used for Nausea, Motion Sickness

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.

Last reviewed on April 1, 2025
basics-icon

What is Dimenhydrinate?

What is Dimenhydrinate used for?

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

How Dimenhydrinate works

Dimenhydrinate is a first-generation antihistamine. It also has anticholinergic effects.

This medication blocks two chemicals in the brain called histamine and acetylcholine. It stops these chemicals from turning on the part of the brain that causes nausea and vomiting. This helps prevent and treat nausea and other symptoms of motion sickness.

Are you looking for information on meclizine (Dramamine Less Drowsy) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) instead?
When does Dimenhydrinate start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDramamine, Dramamine For Kids, Gravol, Kids Gravol
Drug ClassAntihistamine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter

More on Dimenhydrinate essentials

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What are the side effects of Dimenhydrinate?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Blurry vision

Other Side Effects

When do Dimenhydrinate possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Blurry vision
Dry mouth

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
  • Trouble passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Dimenhydrinate

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Dimenhydrinate

pharmacist
  • You can take dimenhydrinate with or without food.

    • To prevent motion sickness: Take your first dose of dimenhydrinate 30 minutes to 1 hour before you travel or do something that causes motion sickness.

      • For the dimenhydrinate chewable tablets: Make sure to chew the tablet completely before swallowing. Don't swallow them whole.

        • For the dimenhydrinate regular tablets: Swallow the tablet whole.

          • For the dimenhydrinate syrup: Store the bottle at room temperature. Use a medication dose cup or an oral syringe to measure out the dose. Don't use household spoons because they aren't accurate and using them might cause you to take the wrong dose.

            • Dimenhydrinate can make you sleepy, dizzy, and have blurry vision. Don't drive or do anything that needs your focus until you know how this medication affects you.

              • You might have dry mouth while you're taking dimenhydrinate. To help with dry mouth, you can suck on ice, chew sugar-free gum, or rinse your mouth with cold water. You can also try using saliva substitutes, which come as sprays and lozenges.

                • Don't start any new medications while taking dimenhydrinate without talking to a pharmacist or healthcare professional first. This is especially important for medications that contain antihistamines. Taking more than one antihistamine medication at the same time can be dangerous. It can raise your risk of taking too much (overdose), which can lead to serious side effects.

                  • If you're breastfeeding, ask your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) or lactation specialist if dimenhydrinate is safe for you. Small, occasional doses usually aren't harmful to your baby. But taking larger amounts or taking it often might lower your milk supply and could side effects in your baby.

                    More on Dimenhydrinate tips

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Dimenhydrinate

                    How long does dimenhydrinate take to work and how long does it last?
                    Dimenhydrinate starts to work within an hour after you take the medication. The effects of dimenhydrinate typically last for 4 to 8 hours. Ask your healthcare team if you have any other questions about what to expect after taking this medication.
                    Does dimenhydrinate make you sleepy?
                    Yes, feeling sleepy is a common side effect of dimenhydrinate. Older adults can be more sensitive to this side effect. You also might feel even sleepier if you take other medications that cause sleepiness at the same time. Don't drive or do anything that needs your full attention until you know how dimenhydrinate affects you. Talk to your primary care provider if this medication makes you too sleepy.
                    Can I take dimenhydrinate and Ambien together on a plane?
                    It's usually not a good idea to take dimenhydrinate together with sleep medications like zolpidem (Ambien). Both can make you very sleepy. This can raise your risk of getting hurt if you need to get up during the flight. Ask your primary care provider about safe ways to help you sleep and prevent or treat motion sickness before flying.
                    What's the difference between dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine?
                    Dimenhydrinate and diphenhydramine (also called Benadryl) are both over-the-counter antihistamines. Dimenhydrinate helps prevent and treat motion sickness. Diphenhydramine can also help with motion sickness. But it's also often used for cold and allergy symptoms or to help with sleep. Side effects are similar, but dimenhydrinate might make you less sleepy. Don't take them together because it raises your risk of serious side effects. Ask a healthcare professional to learn more about how the medications differ.
                    Is meclizine the same as dimenhydrinate?
                    No. Meclizine and dimenhydrinate are both over-the-counter motion sickness pills. But they're not the same. You have to take dimenhydrinate a few times a day if you need it to last throughout the day. But meclizine only needs to be taken once a day. Studies show that dimenhydrinate might work better but can make you sleepier than meclizine. Talk to a healthcare professional to compare and help you decide which one is best for you.
                    Will dimenhydrinate help vertigo?
                    Studies show that dimenhydrinate might help with vertigo. It seems to work best when taken just once to treat sudden vertigo instead of every day. Of note, prescription meclizine, an antihistamine similar to dimenhydrinate, is FDA approved for treating vertigo. Talk to your primary care provider about options to treat your vertigo.
                    Can dimenhydrinate help with cybersickness?
                    There aren't any studies on using dimenhydrinate for cybersickness, which is feeling nauseous or dizzy from too much screen time. But it's possible that the medication might help. This is because antihistamines like dimenhydrinate can help with motion sickness and nausea. In general, it's a good idea to take breaks from screens often to help prevent cybersickness. If you feel nauseous or dizzy from screen time, talk to your primary care provider. They can help come up with a plan that works for you.
                    Can you take dimenhydrinate while pregnant?
                    Yes, dimenhydrinate is considered safe to take while pregnant. To be safe though, always ask your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) before taking the medication. They can talk to you about your options because dimenhydrinate might not be the right choice for everyone.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Dimenhydrinate?

                    Dimenhydrinate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Sleepiness

                    • Risk factors: Age 65 or older | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Drinking alcohol

                      Dimenhydrinate can make you very sleepy. This can make it harder to focus, think clearly, or react fast. This side effect is more likely to happen or be stronger if you're 65 years or older. It can also be worse if you drink alcohol or take other medications that can make you sleepy, like benzodiazepines or sleep medications. Don't drive or use machinery until you know how dimenhydrinate affects you.

                      risk-warning

                      Worsening of certain medical conditions

                      • Risk factors: Breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis) | Glaucoma | Urinary conditions

                        Ask a healthcare professional if you can take dimenhydrinate if you have breathing problems like asthma, glaucoma, or trouble urinating from an enlarged prostate. This medication can make these problems worse. A healthcare professional can help make sure dimenhydrinate is safe for you.

                        risk-warning

                        Accidentally taking too much medication (accidental overdose)

                        Taking more than one medication with an antihistamine in it can raise your risk of taking too much. Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine. And many allergy, cough, and cold medications also have antihistamines.

                        Early signs of an accidental overdose include having stronger side effects. But it can also lead to serious problems like fast heartbeat, confusion, poor balance, seizures, or even death. If this happens, get medical help or call a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

                        To stay safe, tell your healthcare team about all the medications you take. Don't start any new medications without checking with them first. Always read package labels carefully. Ask a pharmacist if you're not sure if a product has an antihistamine.

                        risk-warning

                        Use with caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

                        Dimenhydrinate chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame. If you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), the chewable tablets can be harmful for you. Tell a healthcare professional if you have PKU. They can help you find a different form of dimenhydrinate or a different medication that's safer for you.

                        dosage

                        Dimenhydrinate dosage forms

                        The average cost for 24 tablets of 50mg of Dimenhydrinate is $5.39 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 44.36% off the average retail price of $9.68.
                        tablet
                        Tablet
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        50mg24 tablets$5.39$0.22

                        Typical dosing for Dimenhydrinate

                        Note: There are many brands, manufacturers, and forms of dimenhydrinate. Each one can have different amounts of medication, so the typical dosage can be different. Read the label for the right instructions for your product.

                        A few dosing examples are listed below.

                        • Dimenhydrinate 50 mg oral tablet or dimenhydrinate 50 mg chewable tablet: Swallow oral tablets whole. Chew or crush the chewable tablets before swallowing.

                          • Age 12 years and up: The typical dose is 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Don't take more than 8 tablets in a 24-hour period.

                          • Age 6 years to under 12 years: The typical dose is half a tablet to 1 tablet every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Don't give more than 3 tablets in a 24-hour period.

                          • Age 2 years to under 6 years: The typical dose is half a tablet every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Don't give more than 1.5 tablets in a 24-hour period.

                          • Age under 2 years: Don't use. Ask a healthcare professional.

                        • Dimenhydrinate 25 mg chewable tablet

                          • Age 6 years to under 12 years: The typical dose is to chew 1 to 2 tablets every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Don't use more than 6 tablets in a 24-hour period.

                          • Age 2 years to under 6 years: The typical dose is to chew half a tablet to 1 tablet every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Don't use more than 3 tablets in a 24-hour period.

                          • Age under 2 years: Don't use. Ask a healthcare professional.

                        • Dimenhydrinate syrup Each 5 mL contains 15 mg of dimenhydrinate.

                          • Age 6 years to under 12 years: The typical dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) by mouth every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Don't use more than 10 teaspoons (50 mL) in a 24-hour period.

                          • Age 2 years to under 6 years: The typical dose is 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Don't use more than 5 teaspoons (25 mL) in a 24-hour period.

                          • Age under 2 years: Don't use. Ask a healthcare professional.

                        Dimenhydrinate is also available as an injection that's administered by a healthcare professional for people in the hospital.

                        More on Dimenhydrinate dosage forms

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                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Dimenhydrinate?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dimenhydrinate. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Dimenhydrinate
                        Used for:
                        • Prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, or dizziness from motion sickness

                        $5.39 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                        latest news

                        What is the latest news about Dimenhydrinate?

                        images

                        Dimenhydrinate images

                        White Round 44 198 - Wal-Dram 50mg Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "44 198".White Round 44 198 - Wal-Dram 50mg Tablet
                        White Round 44 198 - Quality Choice Motion Sickness Relief 50mg Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "44 198".White Round 44 198 - Quality Choice Motion Sickness Relief 50mg Tablet
                        White Round 44 198 - Quality Choice Motion Sickness Relief 50mg Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "44 198".White Round 44 198 - Quality Choice Motion Sickness Relief 50mg Tablet
                        White Round 44 998 - Foster & Thrive Motion Sickness 50mg Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "44 998".White Round 44 998 - Foster & Thrive Motion Sickness 50mg Tablet

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        Borowy, C. S., et al. (2023). Antihistamine toxicity. StatPearls.

                        Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (2024). Gravol- dimenhydrinate syrup [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2021). Dimenhydrinate. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                        View All References (8)

                        Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC. (2025). Dimenhydrinate injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Hunter, B. R., et al. (2022). Efficacy of benzodiazepines or antihistamines for patients with acute vertigo: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Medical Association Neurology.

                        LEADER/ Cardinal Health 110, Inc. (2025). Dimenhydrinate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Lil’ Drug Store Products, Inc. (2024). Dramamine- dimenhydrinate tablet, chewable; Dramamine, Travel Basix- dimenhydrinate tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Medtech Products Inc. (2024). Dramamine for Kids- dimenhydrinate tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        National Human Genome Research Institute. (2014). About phenylketonuria.

                        Oh, H., et al. (2022). Cybersickness and its severity arising from virtual reality content: A comprehensive study. Sensors.

                        Patel, P. N., et al. (2011). Meclizine: Safety and efficacy in the treatment and prevention of motion sickness. Clinical Medicine Insights: Therapeutics.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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