Skip to main content

Dimenhydrinate

Home » Pet Health » Pet Health Library » Library

DOSE:                                 FREQUENCY:                            DURATION:

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Dimenhydrinate is generally used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness in dogs and cats. This medication may be used for other conditions as determined by your veterinarian.

How do I give this medication?medications

  • Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
  • If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
  • DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
  • DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
  • Try not to miss giving any doses.

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
  • Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
  • Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

"Your pet may be very tired, drowsy, have a dry mouth and/or develop urinary retention."
  • Your pet may be very tired, drowsy, have a dry mouth and/or develop urinary retention. If these symptoms are troublesome, contact your veterinarian.
  • Drowsiness may diminish over time.
  • Less common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting and a lack of appetite.
  • Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

  • Make sure to tell your veterinarian if you are giving your pet any other medication or supplements.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may be anticipated. If this occurs, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
  • The following drugs can potentially interact with dimenhydrinate: other CNS depressants, heparin, warfarin, epinephrine, and anticholinergic drugs.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jul 28, 2016.