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Overview: Trimethobenzamide is used to treat nausea and vomiting after surgery or from the stomach flu. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and headache. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how trimethobenzamide affects you. Contact your health care provider right away if you get uncontrolled movements, shakiness, or stiffness.

Uses

What is trimethobenzamide used for?

Trimethobenzamide is commonly used to treat nausea and vomiting after surgery or from the stomach flu.

Trimethobenzamide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does trimethobenzamide work (mechanism of action)?

Trimethobenzamide may work by affecting parts of the brain that control nausea and vomiting.

How is trimethobenzamide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Tigan

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 300 mg oral capsules

Trimethobenzamide is also available in injectable forms.

How should I store trimethobenzamide?

Oral Capsule. Trimethobenzamide capsules should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place.

Injection Liquid. Injectable trimethobenzamide is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of trimethobenzamide?

The most common side effects of trimethobenzamide are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness 
  • Dizziness 
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of trimethobenzamide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of trimethobenzamide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of trimethobenzamide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Trimethobenzamide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking trimethobenzamide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Movement Problems. Trimethobenzamide can cause people to have movements they cannot control. You could notice movement problems anywhere in your body, including your head, neck, eyes, tongue, or mouth. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of movement problems.

  • Unusual or uncontrolled movements
  • Muscle spasms or cramps
  • Tremor
  • Shakiness
  • Stiffness
  • Jerking or twisting motion 

Neurologic Problems. Trimethobenzamide can affect your brain or central nervous system (CNS). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Confusion
  • Depressed mood
  • Seizures
  • Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking trimethobenzamide. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Trimethobenzamide can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how trimethobenzamide affects you.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use trimethobenzamide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use trimethobenzamide.

  • Trimethobenzamide
  • Tigan
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific trimethobenzamide products they stock.

Children. Trimethobenzamide injection should not be used in any child younger than 18 years of age. It may put children at risk of serious side effects and making certain conditions worse.

What should I know about trimethobenzamide before using it?

Do not take trimethobenzamide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share trimethobenzamide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep trimethobenzamide out of the reach of children.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk of some side effects of trimethobenzamide. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using trimethobenzamide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if trimethobenzamide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Trimethobenzamide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking trimethobenzamide, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how trimethobenzamide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if trimethobenzamide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use trimethobenzamide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does trimethobenzamide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between trimethobenzamide and foods or nonalcoholic drinks.

Do not drink alcohol while taking trimethobenzamide. The risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and movement problems may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking trimethobenzamide.

Does trimethobenzamide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking trimethobenzamide.

  • An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital, butalbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with trimethobenzamide. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much trimethobenzamide?

If you or someone else has used too much trimethobenzamide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of trimethobenzamide?

Oral Capsule. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

Injection Liquid. Trimethobenzamide injections are usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled.