The medication Dilantin and the herb ginger both have a theoretical benefit for remedying motion sickness. However, if you want to use one or both for such a purpose, consult your doctor first. Also be aware that both the herb and the medication may cause side effects and interact with other herbs and medicines.
Dilantin
Dilantin is the brand name for a prescription drug called phenytoin. It is an anticonvulsant that works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in your brain. It is used to treat, control and prevent seizures. Dilantin may benefit seasickness or motion sickness, but this is an off-label use of the drug. No dosage recommendation has been established for use of phenytoin to combat motion sickness. Also, some of the side effects of Dilantin may make certain water activities such as scuba diving dangerous. These include mental confusion, blurred vision and dizziness.
Ginger
Germany's Commission E, that country's regulatory body for herbs, approves ginger to treat motion sickness. However, MedlinePlus rates ginger as possibly ineffective for seasickness and motion sickness, noting that no hard evidence backs this use. Ginger is possibly effective for morning sickness and nausea and vomiting following surgery, according to MedlinePlus, the National Institutes of Health website. Ginger's common side effects include diarrhea, heartburn and stomach discomfort.
Expert Insight
Ginger is not among the list of herbs that are specifically contraindicated for use with phenytoin, according to "The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide," by George T. Grossberg and Barry Fox. However, consult your doctor before using this combination, especially if you take other medicine or have a health condition. Also consult a doctor before considering use of phenytoin with herbs that it is known to interact with, including aloe, bitter melon, buckthorn, cascara sagrada, echinacea, fennel, folic acid, ginkgo biloba, kava kava, licorice, rosemary, senna, sage, St. John's wort and valerian.
Contraindications
Ginger is contraindicated for use with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs like phenprocoumon and warfarin. Also use caution and consult a doctor before using ginger if you take blood pressure or diabetes medicine. Consult a doctor and use extra caution before using Dilantin in combination with other drugs including blood thinners, antidepressants, chloramphenicol, diazepam, digoxin, doxycycline, fluoxetine, H2 antagonists like famotidine, contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, medicines for mental illness and nausea, other medicine for seizures, methylphenidate, oral steroids, salicylate pain relievers like aspirin, sulfa antibiotics and vitamin D. Your doctor may need to monitor your carefully and change dosage of your medication.
References
- Scuba-Doc.com: More Seasickness Remedies
- MedlinePlus: Ginger
- PubMed Health: Phenytoin
- "The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide"; George T. Grossberg, et al.; 2007
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