TRIMETHOBENZAMIDE - INJECTION
Common Brand Name(s): Tigan
Phonetic Pronunciation: (try-meth-oh-BENZ-uh-mide)
Information last revised November 2010
What does TRIMETHOBENZAMIDE-INJ look like?

Tigan 100 mg/mL IM

Tigan 100 mg/mL IM
Uses:
This medication is used to treat nausea and vomiting that can occur following surgery or with certain stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., gastroenteritis). Treating vomiting quickly can prevent a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Trimethobenzamide belongs to a class of drugs known as antiemetics. It works by decreasing the signals in the brain that lead to vomiting. Trimethobenzamide injection must not be used in children.
Missed Dose
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
How To Use
This medication is given by injection into a large muscle of the buttock by a health care professional, usually 3-4 times a day as needed or as directed by your doctor. This medication should not be injected into a vein. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
Notes
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, liver function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center.
Precautions
Before using trimethobenzamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high fever, kidney problems, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., appendicitis), swelling/disease of the brain (encephalitis/encephalopathy), a serious loss of body water (dehydration), mineral (electrolyte) imbalance. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Trimethobenzamide injection must not be used in children. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home.
Side Effects
Diarrhea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, muscle cramps, or pain/stinging/burning/redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: confusion, muscle spasms, unusual uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, mouth, tongue, arms, or legs), shaking (tremor), restlessness, drooling, severe arching of the back, mouth sores, unusual bleeding/bruising, seizures, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.