Dramamine

Alternative names

Dimenhydrinate overdose; Dimetabs

Definition

Poisoning from an overdose of dimenhydrinate (antihistamines - oral).

Poisonous Ingredient

• dimenhydrinate
  

Where Found

• Dimetabs
  
• Dramamine
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• body as a whole
  o unsteadiness
  o tremor
  o convulsions
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o rapid heartbeat
  o low blood pressure
  
• gastrointestinal
  o anorexia
  o dry mucous membranes
  
• nervous system
  o depression
  o excitation
  o drowsiness
  o nervousness
  o hallucinations
  o disorientation
  o delirium
  

Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  
• the time it was swallowed
  
• the amount swallowed
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Induce emesis.
  
• Administer activated charcoal.
  
• Use gastric lavage.
  
• Treat the symptoms.
  

Expectations (prognosis)
If the patient survives the first 24 hours, survival is likely. Few patients actually die from an antihistamine overdose.