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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682693.html

Trimethobenzamide

pronounced as (trye meth oh ben' za mide)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Trimethobenzamide is used to treat nausea and vomiting. Trimethobenzamide is in a class of medications called antihistamines. Trimethobenzamide may work by decreasing activity in the area of the brain that causes nausea and vomiting.

How should this medicine be used?

Trimethobenzamide comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Take trimethobenzamide three or four times a day. Take trimethobenzamide at around the same times every day.

Take trimethobenzamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

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

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking trimethobenzamide,

  • tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking trimethobenzamide. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
  • 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.
  • you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
  • ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking trimethobenzamide. Alcohol can make the side effects from trimethobenzamide worse.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

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?

Trimethobenzamide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • drowsiness
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • depression
  • diarrhea

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • rash
  • backward arching of the head, neck, and back
  • muscle cramps
  • uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
  • slow, jerking movements or shuffing walk
  • slow speech
  • confusion
  • blurred vision
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • seizures
  • coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)

Trimethobenzamide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

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

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).

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

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.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

  • Tigan®
Last Revised - 02/15/2026