What's the generic for Dramamine? Understanding Dimenhydrinate and Alternatives

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 1.7 million Americans annually experience motion sickness severe enough to seek medication, leading many to ask, "What's the generic for Dramamine?". The generic equivalent for the original formula of this well-known antiemetic is dimenhydrinate, but it's important to understand the distinctions between formulations and other alternatives before use.

Quick Summary

Dimenhydrinate is the generic name for the active ingredient in original Dramamine, an antihistamine that prevents motion sickness by affecting the body's sense of balance. Explains how dimenhydrinate works, compares different motion sickness medications like meclizine and scopolamine, and covers potential side effects and precautions.

Key Points

Generic Name: Dimenhydrinate is the generic active ingredient in original Dramamine.
Not All Dramamine is Alike: Some Dramamine products, like the "Less Drowsy" version, contain a different active ingredient called meclizine.
Mechanism of Action: Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that works on the inner ear and brain to help prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness.
Key Side Effect: Drowsiness is a common and important side effect of original Dramamine containing dimenhydrinate.
Timing is Key: For best results, take dimenhydrinate as directed before starting travel.
Consider Alternatives: Other options like meclizine (Bonine) offer longer relief with less drowsiness, while scopolamine patches provide even longer coverage for extended travel.

Dimenhydrinate: The Generic for Dramamine

Dramamine is a widely recognized brand of over-the-counter medication used for motion sickness. The generic version of its original formula contains the active ingredient dimenhydrinate. Choosing a generic dimenhydrinate product offers the same active ingredient as brand-name Dramamine Original, typically at a lower price. Dimenhydrinate is categorized as a first-generation antihistamine and an antiemetic, effective in preventing and treating nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion.

The Discovery and Use of Dimenhydrinate

Dimenhydrinate was unexpectedly discovered in 1947 during trials for a hay fever treatment when a patient reported it also helped with her motion sickness. This led to its commercial introduction in 1949 as a remedy for travel-induced nausea. The medication works by influencing the central nervous system, specifically areas in the inner ear responsible for balance and the brain's vomiting center, to suppress the signals that trigger motion sickness symptoms.

How Dimenhydrinate Works to Prevent Motion Sickness

Motion sickness arises from conflicting signals between your senses. Dimenhydrinate addresses this by blocking histamine (H1) receptors and having anticholinergic effects. Its action on the inner ear's vestibular system and the brain's vomiting center reduces the overstimulation that causes dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. For optimal results, dimenhydrinate should be taken before travel as directed by a healthcare professional or package instructions.

Understanding Dosing for Dimenhydrinate

The appropriate dose of dimenhydrinate can vary based on factors like age and the specific product. It is crucial to always follow the instructions provided on the medication's packaging or consult a healthcare professional for guidance. Dosage information is typically provided for different age groups, but it's important to verify this with a medical expert before administration.

Always follow the specific instructions on the product packaging as dosage can vary.

Understanding Dramamine's Different Formulations

The Dramamine brand includes products with different active ingredients. It's essential to check the label to know which medication you are using.

Dramamine Original Formula: Contains dimenhydrinate and can cause drowsiness.
Dramamine Less Drowsy: Contains meclizine, which is less sedating and longer-acting than dimenhydrinate.
Dramamine Non-Drowsy Naturals: Contains ginger as the active ingredient and is antihistamine-free.

Comparison of Motion Sickness Medications

The following table compares several common motion sickness medications:


Feature	Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine Original)	Meclizine (Dramamine Less Drowsy, Bonine)	Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)	Ginger (Dramamine Naturals)
Active Ingredient	Dimenhydrinate	Meclizine	Scopolamine	Ginger Extract
Availability	Over-the-counter (OTC)	OTC, some prescription	Prescription (Patch)	OTC
Drowsiness Level	Significant drowsiness is common.	Less likely to cause drowsiness.	Generally low drowsiness.	Non-drowsy.
Duration of Action	Typically lasts several hours.	Can last a substantial period.	Can provide extended coverage.	Varies
Onset	Generally starts working within a relatively short time.	May take a while to become effective.	May take several hours to start working.	Varies
Ideal for	Situations where drowsiness is acceptable.	Longer trips with a need for less sedation.	Extended travel like cruises.	Natural, non-drowsy preference.

Common Side Effects and Precautions

Dimenhydrinate is generally effective but can cause side effects. Drowsiness is the most common and can affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. Other potential side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and dizziness. In children, it may sometimes cause hyperactivity.

Individuals with certain health conditions such as glaucoma, enlarged prostate, or asthma should consult a healthcare professional before taking dimenhydrinate, as its anticholinergic effects can exacerbate these issues. Dimenhydrinate can also interact with substances that cause drowsiness, including alcohol and other medications, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

The generic equivalent for original Dramamine is dimenhydrinate, its active ingredient. However, there are various options for motion sickness relief, including generic dimenhydrinate and different brand formulations containing other active ingredients like meclizine. Understanding the active ingredients and their effects is key to choosing the most suitable option for your travel needs and tolerance for side effects. Always consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you are unsure which medication is best.

For additional information on motion sickness, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guide on travel health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dramamine Original contains dimenhydrinate, a first-generation antihistamine known for causing drowsiness. Dramamine Less Drowsy contains meclizine, a different antihistamine that is less sedating and provides longer-lasting relief.

Yes, generic dimenhydrinate contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Dramamine Original and is considered therapeutically equivalent. The primary difference is often cost, with generic versions being less expensive.

You should take dimenhydrinate before you begin your travel or activity to prevent motion sickness symptoms, following the instructions on the package or from a healthcare provider.

Yes, dimenhydrinate can be given to children over the age of two, but the dosage depends on their age and should be carefully followed according to package directions or a doctor's advice.

The most common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, and constipation.

No, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking dimenhydrinate. The combination can increase the sedative effects and impair your coordination, reaction time, and judgment.

Other alternatives include meclizine (Bonine), which causes less drowsiness, and scopolamine patches (Transderm Scop) for long-duration protection. Some non-drowsy options also use ginger.