You should know the risks and warnings of Gravinate to prevent its misuse.
There are some specific circumstances under which the use of certain medications is contraindicated or considered dangerous. So if you are taking any medicine its always a good practice to familiarize yourself with its risks and warnings.
The risks and warnings associated with Gravinate are:
Allergy or Hypersensitivity:
People who are allergic to dimenhydrinate should not take Gravinate, or any medicine with similar medical composition. An allergy can be mild, but in severe cases, it can also lead to a serious condition known as anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylaxis requires urgent medical care, without which the person can face serious consequences. To prevent such a perilous situation, patients should always disclose their allergies to their doctor, so that prescriptions are written accordingly.
Respiratory impairment:
Since Gravinate can aggravate respiratory problems, therefore, people with any respiratory issues should take it with caution.
Neuromuscular disease:
People with neuromuscular problems like myasthenia gravis should not take Gravinate, as it can exacerbate their condition.
Liver failure:
Liver performs the task of metabolism and excretion of drugs. Naturally, when liver function is compromised due to disease or liver failure, drugs are not removed from the body. Accumulation of drugs has serious implications for the body. Thus, if you have liver failure, you should not take Gravinate.
Elderly:
As older people are much more likely to suffer from the side-effects of Gravinate, they should take it with caution, or take a lesser dose of the medicine.
Abrupt withdrawal:
It is pertinent that you do not abruptly stop the intake of Gravinate but wean yourself off it. When used over long periods of time, the body can get accustomed to Gravinate. When you suddenly quit, your body undergoes withdrawal symptoms.
While most of the time, doctors prescribe Gravinate for short-term use only to prevent this very scenario. Nonetheless, people should gradually stop their intake of Gravinate, taking lesser dosages with time, so that the body acclimatizes to lack of Gravinate. It is best to consult your healthcare provider before stopping the consumption of Gravinate.
Narrow-angle glaucoma:
Since Gravinate can increase the pressure inside of the eyes, it can aggravate a case of narrow-angle glaucoma. Thus, if you have glaucoma, do not take Gravinate, as it can cause your vision to blur.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Pregnant women should only take Gravinate at the discretion of their doctor, after doing a careful risk-benefit analysis. Since Gravinate can pass into breast milk, and affect the health of the baby, therefore, lactating mothers should take Gravinate only at the doctor’s advice.
Operating machinery:
Do not operate machinery, or drive for that matter, after taking Gravinate, as it can lead to drowsiness and disorientation. Driving or operating machines in this state poses a safety hazard.
Sedatives:
If you are currently taking sedatives, or use sleeping aids, take Gravinate with caution as It has a sedative effect, that can then make you feel dizzy.
Heart Diseases:
Individuals with a history of heart disease, including conditions like arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension, should take Gravinate with caution, lest it aggravates their disease.
Gastrointestinal issues:
People suffering from pyloroduodenal obstruction should take Gravinate with caution. It is highly recommended that if you have any gastrointestinal problems, you should confer with your healthcare provider before taking Gravinate.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia:
Diphenhydramine, the main chemical component of Gravinate, is contraindicated in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients with this condition should disclose it to their doctor so that they can be prescribed an alternative for complaints of nausea and vomiting.
Blood Disease:
Although rare, long-term use of Diphenhydramine can lead to blood dyscrasias. Thus, people suffering from porphyria should take Gravinate with caution.
Seizures:
People suffering from seizures, or conditions like epilepsy that can cause seizures, should take Gravinate with caution.
Kidney failure:
Our kidneys do the vital task of removal of waste products in the body, including the waste from the metabolism of drugs. When their function is impaired, this waste can remain in the body, leading to the buildup of toxins, which then has a severe and adverse impact on the body.
Hence, people with kidney disease should tell their healthcare provider about kidney problems. Doctors may then either lower the dosage of the drug or provide an alternative for it.
