Is dramamine safe for pregnancy
Throughout pregnancy, expectant mothers may face various challenges, with morning sickness standing out as a particularly prevalent issue. Studies show that around 70 to 80 percent of women experience nausea in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. And around 0.3%-3% of pregnant women experience Hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition that is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss during pregnancy.
As you seek relief from pregnancy-related discomforts, you may wonder if certain motion sickness medications are safe to use.
Is it safe to take Dramamine for nausea?
We’ll offer insights into its usage, effects, and medical opinions, empowering you to make informed decisions for both your well-being and your baby’s.
Dramamine, also known by its generic name dimenhydrinate, is an antihistamine medication primarily used to prevent and treat motion sickness and nausea. Its mechanism of action involves blocking certain neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for inducing nausea and vomiting, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with motion sickness.
Pregnancy brings about a heightened sense of awareness regarding health and safety, with expectant mothers understandably cautious about the substances they ingest. The concern extends to medications, where the potential impact on the developing fetus raises valid questions and considerations.
In many cases, there is limited data available on the safety of medications during pregnancy, as ethical considerations often prevent conducting extensive clinical trials involving pregnant women. Navigating the complexities of pregnancy and addressing the individual needs of expectant mothers, especially when seeking relief for pregnancy sickness, underscores the importance of seeking medical advice before considering any medication. Healthcare professionals can provide personalized guidance based on individual health circumstances, ensuring that potential risks are carefully weighed against the benefits.
Can You Take Dramamine While Pregnant?
According to the current guidance from the FDA, dimenhydrinate is generally considered safe for use for relieving pregnancy sickness, when used as directed. However, pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider before using any medication, including dimenhydrinate, to ensure it is appropriate for their individual circumstances.
Since 1972, dimenhydrinate has been given the green light for use during pregnancy to treat motion sickness or morning sickness. Back then, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stamped it with a Category B approval, a label that has since been phased out but indicates that animal studies didn’t harm the fetus or lead to abnormalities. However, human studies are unavailable, which could leave some uncertainty about its full effects on pregnant women.
Which Dramamine is safe during pregnancy?
DramamineⓇ has tablets called “Dramamine-N Multi-Purpose,” a specially formulated blend enriched with ginger extract to naturally alleviate nausea. As stated on the brands’ website, this unique formula is deemed safe for expectant mothers.
Let’s examine the safety of using Dramamine during pregnancy. With its extensive history of use, there are no reported adverse effects on the fetus associated with its use. According to a clinical pharmacy program director, the preferred medication for motion sickness during pregnancy is the antihistamine meclizine (sold as Bonine or Dramamine Less Drowsy). These options are noted to cause less drowsiness compared to regular Dramamine. While Dramamine does cross the placenta, there is no documented evidence of birth defects or harm to the fetus despite its decades-long use.
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances.
In cases of hyperemesis gravidarum (a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances), healthcare providers may prescribe other medications or therapies that are more specifically tailored to address the severe conditions.
These may include antiemetics such as ondansetron (Zofran), corticosteroids, intravenous fluids, or nutritional support. Antiemetics are drugs that include serotonin antagonists to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting by targeting receptors in the brain and gut.
It’s important for pregnant individuals experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, to seek medical attention promptly.
The benefit of antiemetic drugs compared to antihistamines lies in their targeted mechanism of action. Antiemetic drugs are specifically designed to alleviate nausea and vomiting, often by blocking receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal tract that trigger these symptoms. This targeted approach can provide more effective relief associated with pregnancy, particularly in cases of severe morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum.
On the other hand, antihistamines, while some may have antiemetic properties, are primarily designed to block the action of histamine and are commonly used to treat allergic reactions. While they may provide some relief for mild nausea, they may not be as effective as antiemetic drugs for managing more severe cases of nausea and vomiting as experienced during hyperemesis gravidarum.
Dramamine for Pregnancy: Its Uses and Effects
While Dramamine can effectively alleviate symptoms of morning sickness, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. These effects may vary among individuals. During pregnancy, it’s crucial to exercise caution, especially if you experience low blood pressure. Fainting spells may become more frequent, posing a risk of falls or injuries, which can be particularly concerning when pregnant.
What anti-sickness tablets are safe when pregnant?
During pregnancy, there are several anti-nausea medications commonly recommended by physicians. These include Vitamin B6, Emetrol, Unisom (containing the antihistamine doxylamine), and Diclegis. When used in the correct dosage, these options are considered safe for pregnant individuals. Many healthcare providers advise starting with Vitamin B6 alone and then adding doxylamine, which also serves as a sleep aid, if necessary.
Some individuals prefer to explore holistic approaches initially. Fortunately, there is a plethora of natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments that can offer relief from morning sickness during pregnancy. These may involve dietary modifications:
- Consume small, frequent meals or bland foods like saltine crackers.
- Incorporate ginger products such as candy or tea into your diet.
- Limit the intake of acidic or spicy foods, as they can increase the likelihood of heartburn.
And lifestyle choices:
- Ensure you get enough sleep each night.
- Incorporate regular exercise into your routine.
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating meals.
- Consider adjusting the timing of your prenatal vitamins for better tolerance.
Morning sickness can be particularly challenging for expectant mothers. Alongside the above recommendations, you can also try alternative treatments such as acupuncture and aromatherapy.
You might be tempted to use cannabis or CBD products, but it’s crucial to note that the FDA strongly advises against using CBD or THC in any form during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That’s why we’ve included them as cautionary ingredients in our pregnancy safe ingredient checker for beauty products. Our app, available on both IOS and Android, streamlines the process of verifying the safety of your topical beauty products during pregnancy. It provides summaries from peer-reviewed medical research for each potentially harmful ingredient identified, making it easier for you to make informed choices.
Dramamine in Pregnancy: Studies and Findings
As per a study published in the National Library of Medicine, dimenhydrinate and vitamin B6 were both found to be effective treatments for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Dimenhydrinate was reported to be more effective than vitamin B6.
The first trimester of pregnancy is a critical period of fetal development, and exposure to medications during this time can have significant implications. Let’s dive a little deeper into answering the question, “is dramamine safe to use in early pregnancy?
There are no known studies that indicate a risk of Dramamine usage with proper dosage in the first trimester. According to drugs.com, animal studies at doses up to 25 times the human dose have revealed no evidence of fetal harm or impaired fertility. The limited clinical studies in pregnant women have not indicated an increased risk of abnormalities when the drug is administered in any trimester of pregnancy, including early pregnancy.
They do note a breastfeeding warning on dimenhydrinate as it is excreted into human milk. Large doses may cause side effects in the breastfed infant or decrease milk supply, which can be avoided by limiting yourself to single bedtime doses after the last feeding.
With the previously noted risk of drowsiness and dizziness, it is advisable, especially for pregnant women, not to take Dramamine before driving, as this drowsiness might persist for up to 8 hours after each dose.
Is Dramamine Safe for Pregnancy: Medical Opinions
According to Northland OBGYN, medications during pregnancy often come with universal disclaimers. It’s important to note that no medication has undergone complete studies considering all human development variables. Therefore, it’s best to avoid unnecessary medications, especially during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. However, they consider Dramamine, at a dosage of 50mg four times daily, acceptable for acute conditions as an over-the-counter option.
Additionally, Dr. Amos Grunebaum, MD notes that “Dramamine is generally considered safe during pregnancy because as a Class B medication, no risks have been found in animal studies. Although one cannot unconditionally guarantee any medication’s safety in pregnancy, most studies have shown no increased risk of fetal anomalies in those exposed to dimenhydrinate.”
Determining the appropriate use of Dramamine during early pregnancy requires careful consideration of individual health circumstances, including the severity of symptoms, potential risks like the tendency to faint, and more holistic alternative treatment options. To sum up, here are the risks versus benefits.
Risks:
- Animal studies have not shown any adverse effects on the fetus, but limited human studies are available.
- There are potential side effects.
Benefits:
- Dramamine is commonly used to alleviate morning sickness, a common symptom experienced during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
- For pregnant women experiencing morning sickness that significantly impacts their daily life or ability to function, the benefits of using Dramamine to manage these symptoms may outweigh the potential risks.
Determining whether Dramamine is safe during pregnancy involves weighing individual health circumstances, symptom severity, and alternative treatment options. Risk factors include limited human studies and potential side effects. However, benefits include its effectiveness in alleviating morning sickness, particularly in the first trimester. Pregnant women facing significant morning sickness may find the benefits of Dramamine outweigh the risks.
It’s crucial to make informed decisions about medication use and consult with healthcare providers, especially in cases of severe hyperemesis gravidarum. Remember, your health and safety come first.
Related article: ashwagandha while pregnant
Sources:
Dimenhydrinate Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings | Drugs.com
What medications are acceptable during pregnancy? | Northland OBGYN
