Dramamine is a popular over-the-counter anti-nausea and motion sickness treatment. Its active ingredient, meclizine, is an antihistamine but has other properties, as well. Though healthcare professionals are unsure how it works, it decreases the sensitivity of the inner ear to motion and indirectly affects the brain’s nausea center. To be effective, Dramamine tablets need to be taken at least 30 to 60 minutes before a nausea-inducing event such as travel.
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Dramamine overview
BRAND NAMES:
Dramamine Original, Dramamine Less Drowsy, Dramamine Long-Lasting, Dramamine For Kids
Generic Names:
Meclizine HCl
Uses:
Treats and prevents nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antiemetic; motion sickness and vertigo antiemetic; antihistamine
Forms:
Tablet, chewable tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Dramamine used for?
Dramamine treats and prevents nausea, vomiting, queasiness, and dizziness caused by motion sickness.
What form(s) does Dramamine come in?
Tablet
50 mg (Original)
25 mg (Less Drowsy, Long-Lasting)
Chewable tablet
50 mg (Original)
25 mg (Less Drowsy, For Kids)
What are common Dramamine dosages?
For prevention or treatment of nausea due to motion sickness:
In adults and children 12 years of age and older: one to two tablets every four to six hours as needed (Dramamine Original) or one to two tablets once daily (Dramamine Less Drowsy, Dramamine Long-Lasting)
In children 6–11 years of age: one to two Dramamine For Kids chewable tablets or one-half to one Dramamine Original tablet or Dramamine Original chewable tablet every six to eight hours as needed
In children 2–5 years of age: one-half to one Dramamine For Kids chewable tablet or one-half Dramamine Original tablet or Dramamine Original chewable tablet every six to eight hours as needed
Find more information about meclizine dosage, forms, and strengths here.
Dramamine images - What does Dramamine look like?
Dramamine
12 tablets bottleDramamine
36 tablets bottleDramamine
8 tablets chewable bottle
How to take Dramamine
Read and follow the directions on the label. Do not give more tablets than recommended or give them more often than recommended.
Swallow Dramamine tablets whole.
Do not swallow Dramamine chewable tablets whole. They must be chewed or crushed completely before swallowing.
How to take Dramamine Original or Dramamine For Kids:
Take the first dose at least ½ hour before a nausea-inducing event.
How to take Dramamine Less Drowsy or Dramamine Long-Lasting:
Take the first dose at least one hour before a nausea-inducing event, or take a dose when symptoms start.
Store Dramamine tablets and chewable tablets at room temperature.
What to do if you miss a dose of Dramamine
If a dose is forgotten, take it when remembered.
Taking a missed dose of Dramamine Original or Dramamine For Kids may not help after symptoms start.
Taking a missed dose will reset the dosing clock. After taking a missed dose:
Do not take or give another dose of Dramamine Original or Dramamine For Kids until several hours have passed.
Do not take another dose of Dramamine Less Drowsy or Dramamine Long-Lasting until the next day.
Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose.
Dramamine contraindications - Who shouldn't take Dramamine?
Do not use Dramamine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to meclizine.
Dramamine warnings
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Before using Dramamine, talk to a doctor if you have:
Any serious lung or breathing disorder such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema
Glaucoma
Enlarged prostate
Consult with a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Dramamine.
Meclizine can make you drowsy. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in hazardous activities until you know how Dramamine affects you.
Dramamine interactions & what to avoid when taking Dramamine
To avoid possible drug interactions, tell healthcare professionals who treat you that you are using Dramamine before they prescribe medications.
When using Dramamine, avoid taking other medications that make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, opioids, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates.
Avoid alcohol and cannabis products on days that you take Dramamine doses.
Find more detailed information about meclizine interactions to avoid here.
Dramamine side effects - How does Dramamine make you feel?
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:
Blurred vision
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, skin rash, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Headache
Fatigue
Vomiting
Sources:
Antivert meclizine HCl tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Dramamine Long-Lasting, Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.
Dramamine Motion Sickness Products, Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc.
Meclizine drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
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