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Trimethobenzamide

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Trimethobenzamide is an antiemetic medication used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. It acts on the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain to reduce nausea and vomiting impulses. This medication is typically prescribed for patients experiencing nausea and vomiting from various causes.

Quick summary

Trimethobenzamide is an antiemetic that prevents and treats nausea and vomiting by acting on the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
R06AA10
RxNorm
38685
Generic
Trimethobenzamide
Class
atc-r06
Brands
Tigan
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
rectal, oral
Forms
injection, capsule, solution
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity, significantly exceeding the therapeutic dose of 250-300mg
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use exceeding recommended dosing can lead to cumulative toxicity, particularly affecting the central nervous system and liver
Immediate actions
Secure airway and breathing, establish IV access, consider gastric decontamination if within 1-2 hours of ingestion, monitor cardiac and respiratory function
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Supportive care is the primary treatment; effectiveness depends on timely intervention and preventing complications)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

11 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

lactation

breastfeeding
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug

Key Recommendations

do not use during breastfeeding - drug passes into breast milk

Monitor

monitor infant for excessive drowsiness

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

geriatric

elderly
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects and sedation

Monitor

monitor for dizziness, sedation, and fall risk

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

infants and children
contraindicated
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

not approved for use in children - contraindicated in infants and young children

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 25-50%

Key Recommendations

use with caution - drug is primarily excreted by kidneys

Monitor

monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

renal_impairment

severe
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid use

Key Recommendations

avoid in severe renal impairment due to accumulation risk

Monitor

monitor renal function closely

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 25-50%

Key Recommendations

use with caution - drug is metabolized in liver

Monitor

monitor liver function tests

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

hepatic_impairment

severe
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid use

Key Recommendations

avoid in severe hepatic impairment

Monitor

monitor liver function closely

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

alcohol_users

concurrent use
contraindicated
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid alcohol

Key Recommendations

contraindicated with alcohol use - significantly increases CNS depression

Monitor

avoid alcohol completely during treatment

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1960s

General prescribing information

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Antiemetic

Drug class information

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Treatment of nausea and vomiting

Common therapeutic uses

formulationFDA
2023

Available formulations

Value:Oral capsules and injectable

Formulation availability

Trimethobenzamide is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting associated with various conditions, including post-operative nausea, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and other causes of vomiting.

The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but trimethobenzamide is believed to work by acting on the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the medulla oblongata, blocking emetic impulses from reaching the vomiting center. It may also exert direct effects on the vomiting center itself.

As with all antiemetics, trimethobenzamide should be used under medical supervision. It may cause drowsiness, and patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to trimethobenzamide or similar medications should not use this drug. Always consult a healthcare provider for appropriate use and dosing.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy