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Dimenhydrinate

Antihistamine / Antiemetic (Motion Sickness)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

H1 antihistamine that blocks vestibular input to the vomiting center, preventing motion sickness. The theophylline component provides mild CNS stimulation offsetting sedation.

At a glance

Class
Antihistamine / Antiemetic (Motion Sickness)
Schedule
OTC
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for motion sickness
Dose
4–8 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q8h or as needed
🐈

Cat

Used for motion sickness
Dose
Route
PO
Frequency
q8h
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength
Strength
Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Antiemetic efficacySedation level
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Dramamine
Gravol

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Dimenhydrinate?
Dimenhydrinate is a antihistamine / antiemetic (motion sickness) used in pets. H1 antihistamine that blocks vestibular input to the vomiting center, preventing motion sickness. The theophylline component provides mild CNS stimulation offsetting sedation.
What is Dimenhydrinate used for in pets?
Dimenhydrinate is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for motion sickness.
What is the Dimenhydrinate dose for dogs?
For dogs, Dimenhydrinate is typically dosed as follows — Used for motion sickness: 4–8 mg/kg PO q8h or as needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Dimenhydrinate dose for cats?
For cats, Dimenhydrinate is typically dosed as follows — Used for motion sickness: undefined undefined PO q8h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Dimenhydrinate need a prescription?
Dimenhydrinate is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Antihistamine / Antiemetic).

Meclizine
H1-receptor antagonist with anticholinergic properties that suppresses vestibular input to the vomiting center and CTZ. Specifically targets vestibular-mediated nausea and vertigo. Less sedating than dimenhydrinate.
dogcat
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