Medication Safety Issues
DimenhyDRINATE may be confused with diphenhydrAMINE
Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) may be confused with Dramamine (ginger root), Dramamine (meclizine)
Beers Criteria: Dimenhydrinate, a first-generation antihistamine, is identified in the Beers Criteria as a potentially inappropriate medication to be avoided in patients 65 years and older (independent of diagnosis or condition) due to its potent anticholinergic properties resulting in increased risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects or toxicity; use should also be avoided due to reduced clearance with advanced age and tolerance associated with use as a hypnotic. Exposure to concurrent anticholinergic drugs also increases risk of falls, delirium, and dementia; consider total anticholinergic burden when conducting medication reviews (Beers Criteria [AGS 2023]).
