What Happens When You Take Gravol?

Gravol, a common over-the-counter medication in Canada, is composed of dimenhydrinate and is used to eliminate the effects of motion sickness, including nausea and vomiting. A typical adult dosage available at pharmacies is a 50mg pill taken every four hours. Gravol is also available as an injection, in liquid form, as a suppository and as junior strength and chewable tablets for children.

Use

• Gravol is an over-the-counter medication to treat motion sickness. It also treats nausea, vomiting and dizziness related to chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and other conditions.

How It Works

• Gravol attacks the vomiting center in the brain to prevent it from sending the body signals of nausea.

Side effects

• Known side effects of taking Gravol include dizziness; drowsiness; dry nose, throat or mouth; and weakness and excitability in children. Other effects, which are less likely to occur, are blurred vision, confusion, constipation, sore throat, convulsions, difficulty with breathing and unconsciousness.

Precautions/Warnings

• Patients who are allergic to dimenhydrinate or any other ingredients in Gravol should not take it, neither should those with chronic diseases such as bronchitis or emphysema. Patients who having difficulty urinating or have glaucoma also should avoid Gravol.

Drug Interactions

• Several drugs are known to interact with Gravol. Among them are alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates and narcotics, muscle relaxants, sedatives and tranquilizers.