Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Overview
Gravol is a brand of dimenhydrinate, an antihistamine used to prevent and relieve nausea, vomiting and dizziness (vertigo). It is best known for motion sickness. It is made by Church & Dwight Canada.
It comes in several forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, liquid and suppositories. It can make you drowsy, so take care with driving. It is not for children under 2 years.
Gravol is sold without a prescription in Canada. If your symptoms do not improve, or you are not sure it is safe for you, BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health.
Gravol is used to prevent and relieve nausea, vomiting and dizziness (vertigo) from:
- Motion sickness
- Surgery, radiation treatment or some medicines
- Menière's disease and other inner ear problems
Gravol is not meant for long-term use unless a doctor advises it.
Dimenhydrinate
Antihistamine (antiemetic)
digestive
Over-the-counter
Available
How Gravol Works
Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that eases nausea, vomiting and dizziness. It also has a drying effect on the body and can make you sleepy.
Dosage Instructions of Gravol
Follow the package directions. Gravol products come in different strengths, so use the age and dose printed on your package. The usual doses by mouth for motion sickness are:
- Adults: 50 mg to 100 mg every 4 hours as needed, up to 400 mg in 24 hours
- Children 12 and older: 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours, up to 400 mg in 24 hours
- Children 6 to 11: 25 mg to 50 mg every 6 to 8 hours, up to 150 mg in 24 hours
- Children 2 to under 6: 15 mg to 25 mg every 6 to 8 hours, up to 75 mg in 24 hours
- Children under 2: do not use
Missed dose: if you are taking it on a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take more than the daily maximum.
Storage Instructions
Store Gravol as directed on the package, out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure how to store your product.
Side Effects of Gravol
Drowsiness and dizziness are the most common side effects, especially at higher doses. Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea and a fast or pounding heartbeat can also happen. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you get a skin rash.
Get medical help right away if you have:
- Seizures, hallucinations or confusion
- An irregular heartbeat
- A severe skin reaction, such as blistering or peeling skin
- Taken too much Gravol. Contact a poison control centre or a hospital emergency department immediately, even if there are no symptoms
Important Safety Information About Gravol
Do not use Gravol if you are allergic to dimenhydrinate, have narrow-angle glaucoma, chronic lung disease or an enlarged prostate, or have taken an MAOI antidepressant in the last 2 weeks. Do not give it to children under 2.
Drowsiness and driving: Gravol can affect alertness and coordination. Do not drive or use machinery until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol and sedating medicines: avoid them while you take Gravol, because the effects add up.
Older adults: people 65 and over can be more sensitive to drowsiness, confusion, constipation and trouble urinating. Drowsiness raises the risk of falls. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using it.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have heart rhythm problems, seizures, liver problems, thyroid problems, asthma or porphyria.
Pregnancy: do not take Gravol for nausea or vomiting while pregnant unless your doctor tells you to.
Breastfeeding: small amounts pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before using it.
Misuse and overdose: never take more than the package says. Large amounts can cause hallucinations, confusion, seizures and death.
Chewable tablets contain aspartame, a source of phenylalanine. This matters if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Drug Interactions
Tell your pharmacist about all the medicines you take. The main interactions are:
- Alcohol, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers and barbiturates: more drowsiness
- MAOI antidepressants: do not use Gravol while taking one or for 2 weeks after
- Tricyclic antidepressants and other antihistamines: stronger drying effects
- Medicines that can harm hearing, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics: tell your doctor or pharmacist
- Allergy skin tests: stop Gravol at least 72 hours before the test
Brands & DIN Number of Gravol
Brand Names
Gravol
Key Takeaways
- 1Gravol is dimenhydrinate, an antihistamine for motion sickness, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. It is sold without a prescription in Canada.
- 2It is not for children under 2 years. Doses for older children depend on age.
- 3Adults can take 50 mg to 100 mg every 4 hours as needed, up to 400 mg in 24 hours.
- 4It often causes drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive or use machinery until you know how it affects you.
- 5Avoid alcohol and sedating medicines with it.
- 6Adults 65 and over are more sensitive to drowsiness, confusion, constipation and trouble urinating. Check with a pharmacist first.
- 7Do not take it for nausea in pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for Gravol in Canada?
When should I talk to a doctor?
What age can children take Gravol?
Can I drive after taking Gravol?
Is Gravol safe for older adults?
Can I take Gravol while pregnant?
How much does Gravol cost in Canada?
Avee Editorial
Avee Editorial Team