What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Gravol (Dimenhydrinate max 100 tabs/order)
Generic Equivalent - Gravol (Dimenhydrinate max 100 tabs/order)
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Product Details
Description
Gravol (dimenhydrinate) is a medication used to prevent and relieve nausea, vomiting, and dizziness (vertigo). It is most often used for motion sickness, but it can also help with nausea and vomiting caused by other conditions, such as inner ear problems, radiation sickness, or recovery after surgery. Gravol is an antihistamine that works on the brain and inner ear to calm signals involved with balance and the vomiting reflex. It comes in several oral forms, including easy-to-swallow tablets, quick-dissolve chewable tablets, and liquid gel capsules.
Fact Table
Formula
C24H28ClN5O3
License
Health Canada authorized
Bioavailability
Absolute oral bioavailability not clearly established; dimenhydrinate is rapidly and well absorbed after oral administration
Legal status
OTC (Canada and US)
Chemical Name
Diphenhydramine 8-chlorotheophyllinate; 1:1 salt of diphenhydramine and 8-chlorotheophylline
Elimination half-life
Approximately 5β8 hours
Dosage (Strength)
50 mg tablets; adults: 50β100 mg every 4 hours as needed, maximum 400 mg in 24 hours; maximum 100 tablets per order
Pregnancy
Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Brands
Gravol, Dramamine, Driminate, Travamin, Vomex
Protein binding
Not established for intact dimenhydrinate; diphenhydramine component approximately 78β99%
PubChem CID
10660
MedlinePlus
a607046
ChEBI
94848
ATC code
R06AA11
DrugBank
DB00985
KEGG
D00520
Routes of administration
Oral; other dimenhydrinate formulations may be administered rectally, intramuscularly or intravenously
Directions
For adults, the usual dose is 50 mg to 100 mg every 4 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 400 mg in 24 hours.
Children 12 years of age and older may take 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 400 mg in 24 hours.
Children 6 to 11 years of age may take 25 mg to 50 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 150 mg in 24 hours. Children 2 to 6 years of age may take 15 mg to 25 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 75 mg in 24 hours.
To help prevent motion sickness, take Gravol 30 minutes to 1 hour before traveling.
Gravol is intended for short-term use and should not be used for long periods unless recommended by a healthcare provider.
If a dose is missed while taking Gravol regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at once or exceed the maximum daily dose.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Gravol is dimenhydrinate. Inactive ingredients vary by form and may include croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium hydroxide, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, starch, talc, and titanium dioxide in the tablets. The chewable tablets may contain aspartame, and the liquid gel capsules contain gelatin, glycerin, mannitol, and sorbitol.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
Gravol can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other activities that require alertness until you know how it affects you. Avoid alcohol and other sedating medications while taking it.
Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Children younger than 6 years may become unusually excited or restless.
Use Gravol with caution in people with heart disease or high blood pressure, seizure disorders, thyroid problems, liver problems, asthma, or porphyria.
Taking more than the recommended dose can cause confusion, hallucinations, temporary memory loss, or paranoia.
Long-term misuse may lead to dependence. Gravol is intended for short-term use unless a healthcare provider advises otherwise.
The chewable tablets contain aspartame, which people with phenylketonuria should avoid.
Do not take Gravol during pregnancy unless recommended by a healthcare provider. Check with a healthcare provider before using it while breastfeeding.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- An allergy to dimenhydrinate, its components (diphenhydramine or 8-chlorotheophylline), or any other ingredient in the product
- Current use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or use within the past 2 weeks
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Chronic lung disease
- An enlarged prostate (prostatic hypertrophy)
- Age younger than 2 years
Side Effects
Common side effects of Gravol may include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Excitement, especially in children
- Nausea
Serious side effects are rare but possible. Stop taking Gravol and get medical help immediately if there are signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing.
Seek medical attention for a skin rash or blisters, which in very rare cases may signal a severe skin reaction. A fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations, or trouble urinating should also be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
References
- Gravol Product Monograph. Mississauga, ON: Church & Dwight Canada Corp.; 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gravol
What is Gravol?
Gravol contains dimenhydrinate, an antihistamine used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. Standard immediate-release tablets commonly contain 50 mg.
How does Gravol work?
Dimenhydrinate reduces signals between the inner ear and the brain that trigger motion-related nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. It also has sedating and anticholinergic effects.
How should Gravol be taken for motion sickness?
It is usually taken 30 minutes to one hour before travel. Follow the package directions for the specific strength and formulation, because dosing intervals and maximum daily amounts vary.
What are the common side effects of Gravol?
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and difficulty concentrating. Some children may become restless or unusually excited instead of sleepy.
Can I drive after taking Gravol?
Gravol can significantly impair alertness, coordination, and reaction time. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous activities until its effects are known.
Can Gravol be taken with alcohol or sedatives?
Alcohol, cannabis, sleep medicines, opioids, tranquilizers, and other sedating products can intensify drowsiness and breathing impairment. These combinations should generally be avoided unless approved by a healthcare professional.
Who should use Gravol cautiously?
Caution is needed in people with glaucoma, enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, breathing disorders, seizures, heart rhythm problems, or severe liver disease. Older adults may be more vulnerable to confusion, falls, constipation, and urinary retention.
Can children take Gravol?
Some dimenhydrinate products are labeled for children, but the correct dose depends on age, weight, strength, and formulation. It should not be given to children under two years unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
Can Gravol be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Dimenhydrinate has been used for nausea during pregnancy, but pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using it. The medicine can pass into breast milk and may cause infant drowsiness or reduce milk supply in some cases.
Why is Gravol limited to 100 tablets per order?
The order limit is a pharmacy or retailer safety policy rather than a dosing recommendation. Dimenhydrinate can be misused, and excessive or long-term use may cause dependence, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, or other serious harm.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 2049
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