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)
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C
Dosing
Used for motion sickness
Frequency
q8h or as needed
Safety
Antiemetic efficacySedation level
Interactions
No documented interactions.
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.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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.
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