Parenteral Manual

DimenhyDRINATE

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
GRAVOL®
Classification: 
Antiemetic, antihistamine
Original Date: 
August 2005
Revised Date: 
September 2011
Indications: 
  • Prevention and/or treatment of post-operative vomiting and drug induced nausea and vomiting
  • Symptomatic treatment of Menieres and other vestibular disturbances
Reconstitution and Stability: 
  • Available as 50 mg/mL ampoule
  • Stable at room temperature
  • Diluted solutions in D5W and 0.9% NaCl minibags are stable for 7 days at room temperature or 91 days in the fridge
Compatibility: 

- Solutions Compatible: dextrose solutions up to D10W, 0.9% NaCl, dextrose-saline combinations, ringer's solution, ringer's lactate

- Additives/Above Cassette Compatible: codeine, diphenhydramine, hydromorphone, KCl, morphine (for 15 minutes),  ranitidine

- Y-site Compatible: acyclovir

- Incompatible: chlorpromazine, glycopyrrolate, hydroxyzine, midazolam,  thiopental

Administration: 

(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)

SC NO  - except for Palliative Care Service
IM

YES
Usual dilution: 50 mg/mL
IV Direct

YES
Usual dilution: 5 mg/mL
Infusion time: 5 minutes
IV Intermittent Infusion YES
Usual dilution: 5 mg/mL
Infusion time: 15 minutes
IV Continuous Infusion NO
Dosage: 

(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)

Pediatric:                          

  • 5 mg/kg/day IM/IV ÷ Q 6 hours PRN
    (Usual dose 1 mg/kg per dose)
  • Maximum dose:
    - 2-5 years: 12.5-25 mg Q 6-8 hours
    - 6-12 years: 25-50 mg Q 6-8 hours
  • Dose Limit: 50 mg/dose

Adolescent/Adult:            

  • 50 mg/dose IM/IV Q 4-6 hours PRN
Potential hazards of parenteral administration: 
  • Irritation/pain at IM injection site - rotate sites
  • IV irritating to veins and may lead to sclerosis
  • Should NOT be given parenterally to neonates (contains benzyl alcohol)
  • Paradoxical CNS stimulation may occur
  • Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth
  • Hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia
Notes: 
  • May mask symptoms of ototoxicity when given concomitantly with an aminoglycoside antibiotic or other ototoxic drugs 
  • Potentiates anticholinergics and CNS depressants                                        
  • Dimenhydrinate is composed of diphenhydramine plus another moiety; the effects of dimenhydrinate are believed to be from the diphenhydramine component

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