Side Effects of dimenhydrinate: A Synthesis of Findings from 26 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Findings

Dimenhydrinate is an inexpensive antihistamine drug commonly used as an antiemetic during anesthesia. Several studies have shown that dimenhydrinate can be effective in preventing post-operative nausea and vomiting. For example, a study by 22 compared dimenhydrinate to placebo in 133 female in-patients undergoing surgery and found that dimenhydrinate significantly reduced post-operative nausea and vomiting. Another study by 24 compared dimenhydrinate to droperidol in 141 women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy and found that dimenhydrinate effectively reduced the incidence of vomiting. These studies suggest that dimenhydrinate is an effective medication for preventing post-operative nausea and vomiting.

Reasons for side effects

Dimenhydrinate is a type of drug called an H1-receptor antagonist. Histamine is a substance that can trigger allergic reactions, nausea, and vomiting. Dimenhydrinate binds to histamine and blocks its action, thus reducing nausea and vomiting. However, dimenhydrinate can also bind to other substances besides histamine. This can lead to other side effects besides reducing nausea and vomiting.

Common side effects

Drowsiness

Many studies, including those by 14 and 2 , have reported that dimenhydrinate can cause drowsiness. This is because dimenhydrinate acts on the central nervous system and has a suppressing effect. Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of dimenhydrinate.

Dizziness

A study by 13 suggests that dimenhydrinate can potentially cause dizziness. This is because dimenhydrinate can affect the balance sense in the inner ear. Dizziness is a relatively rare side effect of dimenhydrinate, but caution is advised when performing tasks that require attention, such as driving or operating machinery.

Dry mouth

A study by 12 indicates that dimenhydrinate can potentially cause dry mouth. This is because dimenhydrinate inhibits saliva secretion. Dry mouth is a relatively rare side effect of dimenhydrinate.

Constipation

A study by 5 suggests that dimenhydrinate can potentially cause constipation. This is because dimenhydrinate inhibits intestinal peristalsis. Constipation is a relatively rare side effect of dimenhydrinate.

Visual disturbances

A study by 11 indicates that dimenhydrinate can potentially cause visual disturbances. This is because dimenhydrinate constricts the pupils. Visual disturbances are a relatively rare side effect of dimenhydrinate.

Other

Various studies, including those by 26 and 7 , suggest that dimenhydrinate can potentially cause other side effects. These side effects include headache, fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort. These side effects are relatively rare with dimenhydrinate, but caution is advised.

Measures to address side effects

Drowsiness

Avoid tasks that require attention, such as driving or operating machinery, after taking dimenhydrinate.

Dizziness

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience dizziness while taking dimenhydrinate.

Dry mouth

Drink plenty of fluids while taking dimenhydrinate.

Constipation

Increase your intake of foods rich in dietary fiber and drink plenty of fluids while taking dimenhydrinate. Consult your doctor if constipation persists.

Visual disturbances

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience visual disturbances while taking dimenhydrinate.

Other

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any other side effects while taking dimenhydrinate.

Comparison between studies

Commonalities

Many studies have shown that dimenhydrinate is effective in preventing post-operative nausea and vomiting. Also, it is commonly known that dimenhydrinate can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and visual disturbances.

Differences

The incidence of side effects from dimenhydrinate varies depending on the study. This is likely due to differences in factors such as the age, gender, health condition, type of surgery, and dosage of dimenhydrinate administered to the participants.

Precautions for real-life applications

While dimenhydrinate is a widely used drug for treating nausea and vomiting, it is important to remember that there is a risk of side effects. Consult your doctor before taking dimenhydrinate and confirm whether it is suitable for your condition.

Limitations of current research

There is still not enough research on the side effects of dimenhydrinate. Research on long-term side effects is particularly lacking. Additionally, there is likely a large degree of individual variation in response to the side effects of dimenhydrinate.

Future research directions

It is necessary to conduct further research on the side effects of dimenhydrinate. Research on long-term side effects and studies that consider individual differences are particularly needed. Research on ways to mitigate the side effects of dimenhydrinate is also crucial.

Conclusion

Dimenhydrinate is a widely used drug for treating nausea and vomiting, but it is important to remember that there is a risk of side effects. Consult your doctor before taking dimenhydrinate and confirm whether it is suitable for your condition. Also, if you experience any unusual symptoms while taking dimenhydrinate, consult your doctor immediately.

Literature analysis of 26 papers
Positive Content
20
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
5
Article Type
10
1
1
7
26
1.

A randomized comparison of ginger and dimenhydrinate in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

Author: PongrojpawDensak, SomprasitCharinthip, ChanthasenanontAthita

Effective for nausea and vomiting
Fewer side effects
Drowsiness

This study found that ginger is as effective as dimenhydrinate in the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and has fewer side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

2.

Motion-sickness medications for aircrew: impact on psychomotor performance.

Author: PaulMichel A, MacLellanMike, GrayGary

Reduced motion sickness
Neurocognitive effects

Anti-motion-sickness medications can be effective but often have negative cognitive effects, limiting their use in military personnel. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various anti-motion-sickness drugs on psychomotor performance and assess the potential benefits of combining them with pseudoephedrine or amphetamine.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

3.

Estrogen-induced pancreatitis.

Author: ParkerW A

Acute pancreatitis
Hyperlipidemia

Oral contraceptive therapy can induce hyperlipidemia and acute pancreatitis. Monitoring serum lipid levels during estrogen therapy is recommended.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

4.

Inhibition of human liver steroid sulfotransferase activities by drugs: a novel mechanism of drug toxicity?

Author: BamforthK J, DalglieshK, CoughtrieM W

Hormone disruption
Sexual dysfunction

This study investigated the inhibitory effects of various drugs on steroid and phenol sulfotransferase activities in human liver cytosol. Several drugs were found to strongly inhibit these activities, with potential implications for understanding adverse drug reactions.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Ondansetron: a review of its use as an antiemetic in children.

Author: CulyC R, BhanaN, PloskerG L

Nausea and vomiting reduction
Constipation
Diarrhea
Headache

Ondansetron, a selective serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, is an antiemetic agent used in adults and children. Ondansetron has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in children receiving chemotherapy and undergoing surgery, with generally good tolerability.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

Cinnarizine and dimenhydrinate in the treatment of vertigo in medical practice.

Author: ScholtzArne-Wulf, IlgnerJustus, LoaderBenjamin, PritschowBernd W, WeisshaarGerhard

Effective for vertigo
Adverse drug reactions

A fixed combination of cinnarizine and dimenhydrinate demonstrated good tolerability and efficacy in treating vertigo in a prospective, noninterventional study.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Observational StudyResearch that observes and collects data on participants' behavior and outcomes in their natural state, without intervention.

Language : English

7.

Inhibition of human and rabbit liver steroid and xenobiotic UDP-glucuronosyltransferases by tertiary amine drugs--implications for adverse drug reactions.

Author: SharpS, MakL Y, SmithD J, CoughtrieM W

Drug side-effects
Glucuronidation disruption

Tertiary amine and amide drugs, such as chlorpromazine, amitriptyline, and imipramine, were potent inhibitors of glucuronidation of steroid hormones and xenobiotics, suggesting a potential mechanism for adverse drug reactions.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

9.

[Antiemetic therapy in preclinical emergency medicine - a literature review].

Author: LuxenJohannes, TrentzschHeiko, UrbanBert, PrücknerStephan

Nausea and vomiting treatment
Sedative effect

This study reviewed the use of antiemetics in emergency medicine, highlighting the limitations of metoclopramide and dimenhydrinate and suggesting 5-HT3-antagonists as a potential alternative for the treatment of emesis.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : German

10.

The Safety of Drug Therapy in Children.

Author: WimmerStefan, NeubertAntje, RascherWolfgang

Drug safety
ADRs
Contraindications
Medication errors
Off-label use
Overdose

The process of drug administration should be optimized through suitable interventions and electronic support. Serious ADRs can arise, for example, after the administration of dimenhydrinate, α-adrenergic nose drops, enemas containing phosphate, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-2-receptor antagonists (sartans), and methylphenidate.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

12.

The effects of dimenhydrinate, cinnarizine and transdermal scopolamine on performance.

Author: GordonC R, GonenA, NachumZ, DoweckI, SpitzerO, ShupakA

Impaired psychomotor function

Dimenhydrinate, 100 mg, significantly impaired decision reaction time and auditory digit span, while cinnarizine, 50 mg, and transdermal scopolamine were free of performance side effects. Dimenhydrinate had a subjective decrease in well-being and general performance abilities reported by most of the subjects who took it. Cinnarizine was free of significant side-effects and dry mouth was the only significant side-effect of transdermal scopolamine.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

13.

Which medication do I need to manage dizzy patients?

Author: HuppertDoreen, StruppMichael, MückterHarald, BrandtThomas

Dizziness treatment

This review discusses various medications used to manage dizziness, vertigo, and nystagmus. It highlights the importance of targeting the underlying cause of these symptoms and provides a comprehensive overview of specific drug treatments for different conditions.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

14.

[Droperidol and dimenhydrinate alone or in combination for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting].

Author: EberhartL H, SeelingW, MorinA M, VogtN, GeorgieffM

PONV prevention

This randomized controlled double-blind study evaluated the antiemetic efficacy and side effects of a combination of droperidol and dimenhydrinate for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : German

15.

Prospective follow-up of adverse reactions in breast-fed infants exposed to maternal medication.

Author: ItoS, BlajchmanA, StephensonM, EliopoulosC, KorenG

Breastfeeding safety
Minor side effects

No major adverse reactions requiring medical attention were observed in 838 breast-fed infants whose mothers were taking medications. Minor adverse reactions, such as diarrhea, drowsiness, and irritability, were reported in 11.2% of infants.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

16.

Evaluation of antimotion sickness drug side effects on performance.

Author: WoodC D, MannoJ E, MannoB R, RedetzkiH M, WoodM J, MimsM E

Motion Sickness Prevention
Performance Decrements

Selected doses and combinations of antimotion sickness drugs, such as d-amphetamine, promethazine and scopolamine, can be used without loss of operational proficiency.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

18.

[Treatment costs of otogenic vertigo].

Author: StratmannLioba, Heinen-KammererTatjana, Motzkat-GnissKerstin, HoltmannspötterChristine, RychlikReinhard

Otogenic vertigo

From a third-party payer perspective, treatment of otogenic vertigo with a combination preparation of cinnarizine and dimenhydrinate is more cost-effective than betahistine treatment.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : German

19.

A comparison of some effects of three antimotion sickness drugs on nystagmic responses to angular accelerations and to optokinetic stimuli.

Author: CollinsW E, SchroederD J, ElamG W

Decreased visual fixation

Antimotion sickness drugs can impair visual fixation during motion, a potential adverse side effect. The combination of promethazine and d-amphetamine may help mitigate this effect.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

20.

[Postoperative nausea and vomiting: rational algorithms for prevention and treatment based on current evidence].

Author: KrankePeter, EberhartLeopold H

PONV prevention
Side effects

This article reviews the current understanding of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prevention. It emphasizes the importance of a multimodal approach using a combination of antiemetic interventions to achieve optimal PONV reduction or elimination.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : German

21.

Therapeutic effects of antimotion sickness medications on the secondary symptoms of motion sickness.

Author: WoodC D, StewartJ J, WoodM J, MannoJ E, MannoB R, MimsM E

Reduced brain wave slowing
Restored gastric emptying
Increased dizziness
Increased drowsiness

Ephedrine is effective in reducing some of the secondary effects of motion sickness. Scopolamine is not effective for these effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

22.

Dimenhydrinate for prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting in female in-patients.

Author: EberhartL H, SeelingW, BoppT I, MorinA M, GeorgieffM

PONV prevention

Dimenhydrinate, an antihistamine, reduced the incidence and severity of post-operative nausea and vomiting without side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

23.

Dimenhydrinate decreases vomiting after strabismus surgery in children.

Author: VenerD F, CarrA S, SikichN, BissonnetteB, LermanJ

Postoperative vomiting prevention

Dimenhydrinate, an H1-receptor antagonist, effectively prevented postoperative vomiting (POV) in children undergoing strabismus surgery. It significantly reduced the incidence of vomiting without prolonging sedation or causing other adverse effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

24.

Prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting with oral, long-acting dimenhydrinate in gynecologic outpatient laparoscopy.

Author: TurnerKim E, ParlowJoel L, AveryNicole D, TodDeborah A, DayAndrew G

Effective antiemetic
Reduced vomiting
No effect on nausea

This double-blind comparison trial evaluates the efficacy of dimenhydrinate LA versus droperidol alone and the combination for prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting in outpatient gynecologic laparoscopy. The study finds that pre-operative administration of dimenhydrinate LA in combination with droperidol effectively reduces the incidence of vomiting.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

25.

Transdermally administered scopolamine vs. dimenhydrinate. I. Effect on nausea and vertigo in experimentally induced motion sickness.

Author: PyykköI, SchalénL, JänttiV

Reduced motion sickness
Reduced nausea
Reduced vertigo
Gait disturbances

Transdermal scopolamine and dimenhydrinate were both effective in reducing nausea and vertigo in volunteers experiencing motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate was more effective against nausea than one TTS-scopolamine patch, while two patches were needed for similar efficacy against vertigo.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

26.

Antiemetics in Children With Acute Gastroenteritis: A Meta-analysis.

Author: Niño-SernaLaura F, Acosta-ReyesJorge, VeronikiAreti-Angeliki, FlorezIvan D

Hospitalization prevention
IV rehydration reduction
Vomiting cessation
Side effects

This study found that ondansetron is the most effective antiemetic for controlling vomiting in children with acute gastroenteritis, reducing the need for intravenous rehydration and hospitalizations. Ondansetron was also found to be a safe intervention.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

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