Some medical conditions may interact with Dramamine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung disease, shortness of breath, or sleep apnea
- if you have a blockage of the stomach, intestine, or urinary tract; difficulty urinating; diabetes; ulcers; enlargement of the prostate; glaucoma; heart disease; irregular heartbeat; high blood pressure; porphyria; or thyroid disease
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dramamine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Sodium oxybate (GHB) because an increase in sleep duration and a decrease in the ability to breathe are likely to occur
- MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine) because serious side effects, such as high blood pressure or seizure, may occur
- Antibiotics that may cause hearing problems (eg, gentamicin, vancomycin) because Dramamine may mask symptoms of hearing problems
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dramamine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Do NOT use Dramamine if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Dramamine or other similar medicines
- you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)
- you are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) in the past 14 days
- you are breast-feeding
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Dramamine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Dramamine. Using Dramamine alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking Dramamine. Dramamine will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.
Dramamine may cause dizziness. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase this effect. To prevent it, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness.
Do not exceed the recommended dose or use Dramamine more frequently or for longer than prescribed without first checking with your doctor.
Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur.
Dramamine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Dramamine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
Do not use Dramamine with any medicine that contains diphenhydramine. Before you begin taking any new prescription or nonprescription medicine, including one used on the skin, read the ingredients to see if it also contains diphenhydramine or another similar medicine (eg, antihistamine). If it does, or if you are uncertain if it does, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Use Dramamine with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, sedation, and lightheadedness upon standing.
Safe use and instructions for use in CHILDREN differs according to the brand used. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the brand you are using.
Use of Dramamine is not recommended in CHILDREN younger than 2 years of age without first talking with the child's doctor. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Dramamine during pregnancy. Dramamine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Dramamine.