Should Dimenhydrinate be administered if the patient has already taken some?

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asked 2 years ago

In regards to the administration of Dimenhydrinate the ALS PCS stats that a contraindication is an over dose on antihistamines or anticholinergics or tricyclic antidepressants. If a patient has taken an antihistamine/anticholinergic/TCA should Dimenhydrinate be withheld?

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answered 2 years ago

If the patient has taken an adequate dose of dimenhydrinate (50 mg for adults and 25 mg for those 25kg to 50kg) within the past 4 hours, you should not provide any more dimenhydrinate. The sedative effects of dimenhydrinate will make it more difficult to assess the patient on arrival to the ED. This is especially true in the elderly population. The new ALS PCS will also make Ondansetron available for the treatment of Nausea and Vomiting. This drug would be the first choice in any patient >65 years old. It could also be used should a patient have taken dimenhydrinate at home and continue to experience nausea and vomiting.