What is the use of Gravinate Tablet?

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

The use of Gravinate Tablet depends on its active ingredients, as different formulations target distinct conditions like motion sickness or pregnancy-related nausea. This medication works by blocking chemical signals in the brain that trigger feelings of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

Quick Summary

Gravinate's use is determined by its active ingredients, targeting motion sickness and vertigo with dimenhydrinate, or treating morning sickness during pregnancy with a doxylamine and vitamin B6 combination.

Key Points

Two Formulations: Gravinate tablets come in different formulations, either containing dimenhydrinate for motion sickness or a combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine for morning sickness.
Motion Sickness Relief: The dimenhydrinate version prevents and treats nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion.
Morning Sickness Treatment: The doxylamine and pyridoxine combination is prescribed for persistent nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
Mechanism of Action: Gravinate works as an antihistamine, blocking signals in the brain and inner ear that trigger nausea and dizziness.
Potential for Drowsiness: A common side effect for both formulations is drowsiness, which can impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Medical Consultation is Key: Proper dosage and suitability depend on the individual's condition and medical history, requiring consultation with a doctor.

Depending on its formulation, Gravinate Tablet serves different medical purposes, most commonly addressing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. The key distinction lies in the active ingredients: some versions contain dimenhydrinate, while others combine doxylamine and pyridoxine. Understanding which type of Gravinate is being used is essential for proper application.

The Different Formulations of Gravinate

While the brand name 'Gravinate' is widely recognized, its composition can differ based on the product. The most common varieties include:

Dimenhydrinate-based Gravinate: This formulation is an over-the-counter antihistamine primarily used to prevent and treat symptoms associated with motion sickness.
Doxylamine and Pyridoxine-based Gravinate: This combination medicine is often a prescription-only treatment for severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (morning sickness) when other interventions have failed.

Uses for the Dimenhydrinate Formulation

Gravinate containing dimenhydrinate is indicated for several vestibular (inner ear) and motion-related conditions. Its primary uses include:

Prevention and Treatment of Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is caused by mixed signals sent to the brain from the eyes and inner ear regarding balance and movement. As an antihistamine, dimenhydrinate calms the inner ear and blocks the brain's vomiting center, effectively preventing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with travel. For prevention, it is most effective when taken before travel begins, often within a specific timeframe.

Relief from Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or whirling that can be caused by various inner ear problems. Gravinate (dimenhydrinate) can be used for the symptomatic treatment of vertigo and related labyrinthine disturbances, including Meniere's disease.

Uses for the Doxylamine and Pyridoxine Formulation

Gravinate combining doxylamine and pyridoxine is a targeted therapy specifically for expectant mothers struggling with severe morning sickness. Its applications include:

Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

This formulation is prescribed when dietary changes and other non-medication treatments have not been sufficient to manage persistent nausea and vomiting. Doxylamine, an antihistamine, works to block the chemical messengers in the body that cause nausea, while pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) helps combat morning sickness symptoms and provides nutritional support.

How Gravinate Works: The Mechanism of Action

Dimenhydrinate: The anti-nausea effects of dimenhydrinate stem from its antihistamine and anticholinergic properties. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the brain and depressing labyrinthine function, which reduces the signals that cause motion-related nausea.
Doxylamine and Pyridoxine: Doxylamine also acts as an antihistamine, blocking histamine to control nausea and dizziness. Pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, also possesses anti-nausea properties and is included to address potential deficiencies that may contribute to morning sickness.

Dosage and Administration

Dosage and frequency for Gravinate vary depending on the active ingredient and the condition being treated. It is crucial to follow the dosage instructions on the package or, preferably, as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Both formulations of Gravinate can cause side effects, most notably drowsiness and dizziness. Other side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.

Key precautions include:

Avoiding activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you know how the medication affects you.
Avoiding alcohol and other central nervous system depressants, as they can intensify drowsiness.
Consulting a doctor before use if you have conditions like glaucoma, asthma, or an enlarged prostate, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Comparing Gravinate Formulations


Feature	Dimenhydrinate Formulation	Doxylamine + Pyridoxine Formulation
Primary Use	Motion sickness, vertigo, inner ear disorders	Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (morning sickness)
Active Ingredients	Dimenhydrinate	Doxylamine and Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Availability	Over-the-counter (OTC) in many regions	Prescription required in many regions
Common Side Effects	Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision	Drowsiness, dry mouth, headache
Administration Timing	Often taken before activity for prevention	Often taken at bedtime on an empty stomach

Conclusion

In summary, the specific use of Gravinate Tablet depends on its active ingredients, with dimenhydrinate targeting motion sickness and related issues, and the combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine addressing morning sickness in pregnant women. Given the potential for side effects like drowsiness and the importance of correct dosage, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new medication, especially during pregnancy.

For more detailed information, consider exploring resources from MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the appropriate formulation depends on the condition. The dimenhydrinate version is for motion sickness, while the doxylamine and pyridoxine version is specifically for morning sickness.

The doxylamine and pyridoxine formulation is often prescribed by doctors for morning sickness and is considered safe when taken under medical supervision. The dimenhydrinate formulation, however, should only be taken if explicitly recommended by a doctor.

The most common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. In some cases, constipation, blurred vision, and headache may also occur.

No, due to the potential for drowsiness and dizziness, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Yes, Gravinate can interact with other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol, sleeping aids, and other antihistamines. Always inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking.

For the dimenhydrinate formulation taken orally, effects typically begin within a specific timeframe after administration.

The availability of Gravinate without a prescription can vary depending on the country and the specific formulation. The dimenhydrinate version is often available over-the-counter, while the doxylamine and pyridoxine combination typically requires a prescription.