MedlinePlus Drug Information: Trimethobenzamide

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Trimethobenzamide

(trye meth oh ben' za mide)

Brand name(s): Tebamide; Tigan

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know?

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Do not give trimethobenzamide (or aspirin or acetaminophen) to a child with symptoms of Reye's syndrome. Call your child's doctor immediately if your child experiences any of these symptoms: sudden, severe, persistent vomiting; drowsiness or stupor; unusual behavior; and seizures.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Trimethobenzamide controls nausea and vomiting. It is prescribed for patients with the flu and other illnesses.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Trimethobenzamide comes as a capsule and rectal suppository. Trimethobenzamide usually is taken three or four times a day as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take trimethobenzamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are to insert a suppository, follow these steps:

If the suppository feels soft, hold it under cold, running water for 1 minute. Then remove the wrapper.
Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch in infants and children and 1 inch in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments.
Get up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume your normal activities.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking trimethobenzamide,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to trimethobenzamide, benzocaine or any local anesthetic, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; belladonna alkaloids (Donnatal); medications for seizures, hay fever, allergies, or colds; prescription pain medication; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease or diabetes.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking trimethobenzamide, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking trimethobenzamide.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from trimethobenzamide are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

drowsiness
dizziness
headache
diarrhea
muscle cramps
blurred vision
rectal irritation (from suppositories)

If you or your child experience any of the following symptoms, or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

skin rash
tremors or shakiness
slow, jerking movements
shuffling walk
slow speech
yellowing of the skin or eyes
fever
sore throat
tiredness

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer