Motion sickness medicine
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- Dramamine Original (dimenhydrinate 50 mg). Best for: Families with children 2 and older. See options on Amazon
- Dramamine Less Drowsy (meclizine 25 mg). Best for: Adults who want once-daily dosing. See options on Amazon
- Bonine chewable (meclizine 25 mg). Best for: People who prefer a chewable. See options on Amazon
Dramamine Original vs meclizine products
| Detail | Dramamine Original (dimenhydrinate 50 mg) | Dramamine Less Drowsy and Bonine (meclizine 25 mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult dose (12 and over) | 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours; max 8 in 24 hours | 1 to 2 tablets once daily |
| Children | Doses from age 2; under 2 only if a doctor directs | Not under 12 unless a doctor directs |
| Drowsiness wording | Marked drowsiness may occur | Drowsiness may occur |
| First dose | Half an hour to 1 hour before activity | Dramamine Less Drowsy: half an hour to 1 hour before; Bonine: one hour before travel |
Details are from the Dramamine Original, Dramamine Less Drowsy and Bonine DailyMed labels.
Timing your dose
Both Dramamine labels say to take the first dose half an hour to 1 hour before starting the activity, whether a car ride, flight or boat trip. Taking it early prevents symptoms better than waiting until you already feel sick, though both products are labeled to treat symptoms too.
Dimenhydrinate can be repeated every 4 to 6 hours for adults on long trips. Meclizine is taken once daily, which can be simpler for a full day of travel.
Children's doses
- Dimenhydrinate, ages 6 to under 12: half to 1 tablet every 6 to 8 hours, not more than 3 tablets in 24 hours.
- Dimenhydrinate, ages 2 to under 6: half a tablet every 6 to 8 hours, not more than 1 and a half tablets in 24 hours.
- Under 2: do not give unless directed by a doctor.
- Meclizine: do not give to children under 12 unless directed by a doctor.
Kids' versions of motion sickness products may use different ingredients, so follow the label of the exact product. For a drug-free option, see our motion sickness bands guide.
Drowsiness and other warnings
- Drowsiness. The dimenhydrinate label says marked drowsiness may occur; the meclizine labels say drowsiness may occur. Be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.
- Alcohol and sedatives. Avoid alcoholic drinks; alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase dizziness or drowsiness.
- Ask a doctor first if you have a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, glaucoma, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: ask a doctor before use.
- Overdose: contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
Other ways to ease motion sickness
Some people prefer drug-free options or pair them with medicine. See our motion sickness bands guide for how acupressure wristbands work and their limits, and our ginger chews guide for what ginger research shows. Looking at a fixed point on the horizon, sitting where motion is least, and avoiding reading during travel are common tips worth trying.
Ingredients and storage
Both Dramamine labels say to store tablets at room temperature, 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F). Inactive ingredients differ: Dramamine Original lists colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose, while Dramamine Less Drowsy lists anhydrous lactose, corn starch and D&C yellow no. 10 aluminum lake among others. If you are sensitive to lactose or dyes, compare these lists before you buy. Pack doses in your carry-on or glove box so you can take the first one half an hour to 1 hour before you set off, and keep them out of reach of children.
Choosing a product
- Driving or need to stay alert: no option is free of drowsiness; meclizine products are labeled less drowsy, but still say drowsiness may occur. Do not drive if affected.
- Young children: dimenhydrinate has label doses from age 2; ask a doctor first.
- All-day trips: once-daily meclizine may be simpler.
- Chewables: Bonine is a chewable meclizine tablet; its label says chew or crush tablets completely before swallowing. For any chewable, check the active ingredient before you buy.
What to look for when you buy
Dramamine Original (dimenhydrinate 50 mg)
Best for: Families with children 2 and older
Its label lists dimenhydrinate 50 mg with doses for adults and children from age 2.
Watch out: Marked drowsiness may occur.
See options on AmazonDramamine Less Drowsy (meclizine 25 mg)
Best for: Adults who want once-daily dosing
Its label lists meclizine HCl 25 mg, 1 to 2 tablets once daily.
Watch out: Not for children under 12 unless a doctor directs.
See options on AmazonBonine chewable (meclizine 25 mg)
Best for: People who prefer a chewable
Its label lists meclizine HCl 25 mg to prevent and treat motion sickness symptoms.
Watch out: Avoid alcohol; drowsiness may occur.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Which is less drowsy, Dramamine Original or meclizine?
- Meclizine products are labeled less drowsy, but both labels say drowsiness may occur.
- When should I take motion sickness medicine?
- Take the first dose half an hour to 1 hour before starting travel.
- Can children take Dramamine?
- Dramamine Original lists doses from age 2; meclizine products are not for children under 12 unless a doctor directs.
- How often can I take Dramamine Original?
- Adults: 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 8 in 24 hours.
- Can I drink alcohol with motion sickness pills?
- No. The labels say avoid alcoholic drinks.
- What is the difference between dimenhydrinate and meclizine?
- Both are antiemetics for motion sickness; dimenhydrinate is dosed every 4 to 6 hours and meclizine once daily, per the labels.
Sources
- Dramamine Original (dimenhydrinate) tablet label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Dramamine Less Drowsy (meclizine HCl) tablet label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Bonine (meclizine HCl) chewable tablet label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine