Name of the Procedure:

Injection, dimenhydrinate, up to 50 mg (J1240)
Common name(s): Dimenhydrinate Injection
Technical or medical terms: Intramuscular/Intravenous Injection of Dimenhydrinate

Summary

Dimenhydrinate injection is a medical procedure where a drug, dimenhydrinate, is administered via injection to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness.

Purpose

The injection is used to address conditions such as motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting. The goal is to provide rapid relief from these symptoms, particularly when oral medication is not feasible.

Indications

• Motion sickness
• Nausea and vomiting due to various causes, such as surgery or chemotherapy
• Patients who cannot tolerate oral medication

Preparation

• The patient may need to inform the healthcare provider of any allergies or current medications.
• No specific fasting or major preparation is required.
• Basic diagnostic assessments such as a history of allergic reactions may be conducted.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider will clean the injection site with an antiseptic.
2. The dimenhydrinate dose, up to 50 mg, is drawn into a sterile syringe.
3. The injection is administered either intramuscularly (into the muscle) or intravenously (into the vein), depending on the patient's needs.
4. Post-injection, the site is covered with a small bandage if necessary.

Duration

The injection process itself typically takes a few minutes.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or surgical center.

Personnel

• Nurse or medical assistant to administer the injection
• Doctor to prescribe and oversee the procedure

Risks and Complications

• Common: Mild pain or swelling at the injection site, drowsiness, dry mouth
• Rare: Allergic reactions, severe drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion
• Management: Immediate medical attention if severe reactions occur

Benefits

• Rapid relief from nausea and vomiting
• Effective when oral medications cannot be used
• Benefits may be realized within 30 to 60 minutes

Recovery

• Post-procedure care includes monitoring for any immediate adverse reactions.
• Patients can typically resume normal activities shortly after, but should avoid operating heavy machinery if drowsiness occurs.
• Follow-up appointments if nausea and vomiting persist or if side effects arise.

Alternatives

• Oral dimenhydrinate tablets or liquid
• Other anti-nausea medications such as ondansetron or promethazine
• Pros and cons: Oral medications may be less invasive but slower to take effect; other anti-nausea medications may have different side effect profiles.

Patient Experience

• The patient may feel a quick prick or slight burning sensation during the injection.
• Some patients may experience mild drowsiness or dizziness post-injection.
• Pain management is typically not required, but comfort measures like a warm compress can be applied to the injection site if needed.