Can You Crush Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate)?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) tablets can be crushed.
Can dimenhydrinate be crushed and administered through G-tube?
Jul 30, 2022- Dimenhydrinate can safely be crushed and taken by mouth, and chewable tablets are a good option since they taste better than regular crushed tablets.
- Crushed dimenhydrinate can be safely given through a G-tube when mixed with water and followed by a water flush.
- Most dimenhydrinate tablets are scored or chewable, making them easy to split or crush.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out to us! It's always a good idea to check with your pharmacist before crushing medications.
While many medications are perfectly safe to be crushed and administered, some should not be, including drugs that are 'enteric-coated' and most drugs that are delayed or extended-release.
As it concerns dimenhydrinate (the generic of Dramamine), it can safely be crushed and administered.
In fact, most dimenhydrinate tablets are scored (have the line through the middle of the tablet) or are chewable tablets. They are easy to split or crush.
If you plan on crushing the tablets and taking by mouth, I would recommend the chewable tablets since they are sweetened, and won't have a bitter taste.
Can You Give Crushed Dramamine Via G-Tube?
You specifically asked about giving crushed dimenhydrinate through a G-tube (gastrostomy (G) tube). This is a great question as considerations need to be taken for many different medications.
Some medications can clog G-tubes, such as sucralfate, antacids, crushed enteric-coated tablets, and cholestyramine. These need to be given carefully.
With crushed dimenhydrinate, there is no concern here. It is safe to give via G-tube.
Generally, the best practice when delivering medication through a G-tube is to crush the tablets to a fine powder and mix with 10 to 15 mL of water immediately prior to administration. Then, flush the tube afterward with at least 15 mL to 30 mL of water. Be sure to follow the guidance of your health care professional in this regard.
Final Words
Thanks again for your question and feel free to reach out again in the future!
What Is Dramamine?
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by preventing problems with body balance.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Enteric-coated
- A special coating on a tablet designed to prevent it from dissolving in the stomach so it reaches the small intestine instead.
- Extended-release
- A medication formulation designed to slowly release the drug into your body over a longer period of time rather than all at once.
- Dimenhydrinate
- The generic name for the medication commonly sold as Dramamine, used to prevent nausea and dizziness from motion sickness.
- Scored
- A tablet that has a groove or line pressed into it to make it easy to break or split into smaller pieces.
- G-tube
- A feeding tube surgically placed directly into the stomach through the skin to deliver food or medications.
- Gastrostomy
- A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the stomach for inserting a feeding tube.
- Antihistamines
- A class of medications that block the effects of histamine in the body to reduce symptoms like nausea, allergies, and dizziness.
- Cholestyramine
- A medication used to lower cholesterol that can clog feeding tubes if not administered properly.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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