Recommended Dosage of Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate) for Sea Sickness
For adults, the recommended dosage of Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) for sea sickness is 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 400 mg in 24 hours. 1
Adult Dosing
- Standard preventive dose: 50 mg taken 30-60 minutes before travel
- Treatment dose: 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours as needed
- Maximum daily dose: 400 mg
- Duration of effect: Approximately 4 hours per dose 1
The FDA-approved labeling indicates that 50 mg of dimenhydrinate can control nausea and vomiting for approximately 4 hours. For prevention, a similar dose can be taken every 4 hours. In situations where drowsiness is not problematic or even desirable, 100 mg every 4 hours may be administered. 1
Pediatric Dosing
For children requiring dimenhydrinate for sea sickness, the dosage should be weight-based:
- Children under 12 years: 1.25 mg/kg of body weight, administered four times daily
- Maximum daily dose for children: Should not exceed 300 mg 1
Administration Timing
For maximum effectiveness against motion sickness:
- Take the first dose 30-60 minutes before beginning travel
- Continue with regular dosing throughout the duration of travel as needed
- For extended journeys, maintain the regular dosing schedule while respecting maximum daily limits
Formulation Considerations
Research suggests that different formulations may affect both efficacy and side effects:
- Divided-dose formulations (such as chewing gums) may provide similar efficacy with less sedation compared to single tablets 2
- Oral liquid formulations may be more rapidly absorbed than tablets, potentially providing faster relief
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness/sedation (most common)
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
The sedative effects of dimenhydrinate should be considered when operating vehicles or machinery. In one study comparing dimenhydrinate (100 mg) with scopolamine patches, both were effective against motion sickness, but dimenhydrinate showed somewhat greater effectiveness against nausea than a single scopolamine patch 3.
Overdose Risk
Caution should be exercised as dimenhydrinate overdose can be serious. Toxicity has been reported with doses exceeding 7.5 mg/kg or 300 mg (whichever is less) in patients 6 years and older 4. Severe overdose can lead to serious complications including seizures and cardiac arrhythmias 5.
Alternative Approaches
If drowsiness is a concern, consider:
- Taking a lower dose (50 mg instead of 100 mg)
- Using divided doses throughout the journey
- Exploring non-sedating alternatives if dimenhydrinate's sedative effects are problematic
Remember that dimenhydrinate begins working within 30-60 minutes of oral administration, so proper timing before exposure to motion is essential for prevention of sea sickness.