Ondansetron Vs. Dramamine: Drug Comparison

Dramamine^® (dimenhydrinate) is an over-the-counter medication commonly used to prevent and treat motion sickness, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness, so users should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking it. People with certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, asthma, or prostate issues, should consult a provider before use, and it’s not recommended for children under two years old without medical advice. Always follow the dosage instructions and avoid mixing with alcohol or other sedatives, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

Ondansetron is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting by blocking serotonin receptors in the brain and gut, which are involved in triggering the vomiting reflex. Its FDA-approved indications include the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Off-label uses may include managing nausea in pregnancy (morning sickness) and gastroenteritis. Ondansetron is available in several forms, including oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral solution, and intravenous injections. Common side effects include headaches, constipation, and dizziness, while serious risks include a rare heart rhythm disorder (QT prolongation). Caution is advised in patients with heart conditions or those taking other medications that affect the QT interval.

Antihistamine

5-HT3 receptor antagonist

Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is used for prevention and treatment of these symptoms associated with motion sickness:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Dizziness

Ondansetron is indicated for the prevention of:

• Nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, including cisplatin greater than or equal to 50 mg/m²

• Nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy

• Nausea and vomiting associated with radiotherapy in patients receiving either total body irradiation, single high-dose fraction to the abdomen, or daily fractions to the abdomen

• Postoperative nausea and/or vomiting

• Typically taken orally 30 minutes to 1 hour before starting activity

• Comes in 50 mg tablets

• Typically taken orally—see the full prescribing information for the recommended dosage in adults and pediatric

• Comes in 4 mg, 8 mg, and 24 mg tablets

When using this product:

• Marked drowsiness may occur

• Avoid alcoholic drinks

• Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness

• Be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery

The most common adverse reactions in adults for the:

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced (≥ 5%) are:

• Headache

• Malaise/Fatigue

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

Prevention of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (≥ 2%) are:

• Headache

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (≥ 9%) are:

• Headache

• Low levels of oxygen

• Do not use for children under 2 years of age unless directed by a provider

• Drug interactions: Ask a provider or pharmacist before use if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers

• Patients known to have hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to ondansetron or any components of the formulation

• Concomitant use of apomorphine

• Ask a provider before use if you have:

  • A breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis

  • Glaucoma

  • Trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland

• Pregnancy: Ask a provider before use

• Breastfeeding: Ask a provider before use

• Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and bronchospasm

• QT interval prolongation and Torsade de pointes

• Serotonin syndrome

• Myocardial ischemia

• Masking of progressive ileus and/or gastric distension following abdominal surgery or chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

*This information is from the label for brand name Dramamine^® used by Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc. See the full label for more complete information. Dimenhydrinate, the active ingredient in Dramamine, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient dimenhydrinate.

*This information is from the ondansetron hydrochloride label used by Aurobindo Pharma Limited. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. This information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient ondansetron.