WARNING

Trimethobenzamide is a medication primarily used to prevent nausea and vomiting, particularly after surgery or chemotherapy. Like any medication, it comes with potential risks and side effects. Here are some of the risks associated with taking trimethobenzamide:

• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to trimethobenzamide, which can manifest as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
• Sedation and drowsiness: Trimethobenzamide can cause drowsiness and sedation, which may impair your ability to perform tasks that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
• Extrapyramidal symptoms: These are movement disorders that can include muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness, and involuntary movements. They are more common with higher doses or prolonged use of trimethobenzamide.
• Hypotension: Trimethobenzamide can cause low blood pressure, especially when standing up from a sitting or lying position. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
• Liver toxicity: In rare cases, trimethobenzamide may cause liver damage or liver toxicity. Symptoms of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, abdominal pain, or persistent nausea.
• Interactions with other medications: Trimethobenzamide can interact with other drugs, such as central nervous system depressants (e.g., alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines), leading to increased sedation and respiratory depression.
• Overdose: Taking too much trimethobenzamide can result in overdose symptoms, including extreme drowsiness, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. Overdose requires immediate medical attention.

It’s essential to use trimethobenzamide under the supervision of a healthcare professional, following their prescribed dosage and instructions. If you experience any concerning side effects or symptoms while taking trimethobenzamide, consult your doctor promptly.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Trimethobenzamide is prescribed primarily to prevent nausea and vomiting, particularly in patients undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. It belongs to a class of medications known as antiemetics, which work by blocking certain signals in the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting.

How should this medicine be used?

Trimethobenzamide is typically available in oral capsule form and is usually taken either on an empty stomach or with food, depending on your healthcare provider’s instructions. The dosage and frequency of trimethobenzamide will vary based on the individual’s medical condition and response to treatment.

Here are some general guidelines for using trimethobenzamide:

• Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist carefully.
• Take trimethobenzamide exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose or take it more frequently than instructed.
• Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules.
• You may take trimethobenzamide with or without food, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Store trimethobenzamide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

It’s important to note that trimethobenzamide may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so it’s advisable to avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities that require mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to use trimethobenzamide, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for further guidance.

Other uses for this medicine

Some of these potential off-label uses may include:

• Treatment of vertigo or dizziness.
• Management of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying).
• Control of hiccups.
• Relief of symptoms associated with migraines or tension headaches.

What special precautions should I follow?

Regarding special precautions for using trimethobenzamide, it’s important to consider the following:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially if you have had a previous allergic reaction to trimethobenzamide or any other medications.
• Medical conditions: Discuss any medical conditions you have with your doctor, particularly liver disease, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or any history of movement disorders.
• Sedation: Trimethobenzamide may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
• Alcohol and CNS depressants: Avoid consuming alcohol or other central nervous system depressants while taking trimethobenzamide, as they may enhance its sedative effects.
• Age considerations: Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of trimethobenzamide, especially drowsiness, confusion, or extrapyramidal symptoms.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using trimethobenzamide, as its safety during pregnancy or lactation has not been well-established.

As with any medication, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and to report any concerning side effects or symptoms promptly. If you have questions or concerns about using trimethobenzamide, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions for trimethobenzamide, there are typically no specific dietary restrictions associated with its use. However, it’s always a good idea to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and stay hydrated, especially if nausea or vomiting are present.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of trimethobenzamide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Trimethobenzamide, like any medication, can cause side effects in some individuals. These side effects may vary in severity and occurrence. Common side effects of trimethobenzamide include:

• Drowsiness: Feeling excessively tired or sleepy is a common side effect of trimethobenzamide.
• Dizziness: Some people may experience feelings of lightheadedness or vertigo while taking trimethobenzamide.
• Headache: Headaches are another common side effect reported by some individuals using trimethobenzamide.
• Extrapyramidal symptoms: These are movement disorders that can include muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness, and involuntary movements. These symptoms are more common with higher doses or prolonged use of trimethobenzamide.
• Hypotension: Trimethobenzamide can cause low blood pressure, especially when standing up from a sitting or lying position. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
• Dry mouth: Some people may experience a sensation of dryness in the mouth while taking trimethobenzamide.
• Blurred vision: Trimethobenzamide can sometimes cause temporary changes in vision, such as blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
• Constipation: Constipation is a potential side effect of trimethobenzamide, although it is less common than other side effects.
• Allergic reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to trimethobenzamide, which can manifest as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions can be severe and require immediate medical attention.

It’s essential to discuss any side effects you experience with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing side effects or adjusting your treatment regimen if necessary. Additionally, if you experience any severe or concerning side effects, seek medical attention promptly.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of trimethobenzamide:

Storage:

• Store trimethobenzamide at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not store trimethobenzamide in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink, where it could be exposed to moisture.

Disposal:

• If you no longer need trimethobenzamide or it has expired, dispose of it properly.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Check with your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for information on how to safely dispose of trimethobenzamide.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose of trimethobenzamide, you should:

• Contact emergency medical services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
• If possible, bring the medication container or packaging to the healthcare facility to help healthcare providers determine what medication was taken and how much.
• Be prepared to provide information about the person’s age, weight, medical history, and any symptoms they may be experiencing.
• If you cannot reach emergency services, contact a poison control center for guidance.

What other information should I know?

• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully regarding the dosage and administration of trimethobenzamide.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with trimethobenzamide.
• Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of trimethobenzamide without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to trimethobenzamide and discuss any concerns or side effects.
• Keep trimethobenzamide and all medications out of reach of children and pets.

By following these guidelines for storage, disposal, and handling of trimethobenzamide, you can help ensure its effectiveness and safety while minimizing the risk of harm.