Tigan (Intramuscular)
Generic name: trimethobenzamide [ trye-meth-oh-BENZ-a-mide ]
Brand names: Arrestin, Benzacot, Stemetic, Ticon, Tigan, Tribenzagan
Drug class: Anticholinergic antiemetics
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 21, 2023.
Uses for Tigan
Trimethobenzamide is used to treat nausea and vomiting .
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription .
Before using Tigan
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of intramuscular trimethobenzamide in the pediatric population. However, because of this medication's toxicity, use in children is contraindicated. Intramuscular trimethobenzamide should never be used in children .
Geriatric
No information is available on whether the risk of trimethobenzamide-induced adverse effects is increased in the elderly. However, because of this medication's toxicity, it should be used with caution, after less toxic alternatives have been considered and/or found ineffective. Recommended doses should not be exceeded, and the patient should be carefully monitored during therapy .
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Bromopride
- Potassium Citrate
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Dehydration or
- Electrolyte imbalance (high or low levels of minerals in the blood) or
- High fever or
- Intestinal infection, severe—May cause side effects to become worse .
Proper use of Tigan
Trimethobenzamide is only used to relieve or prevent nausea and vomiting. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles .
Your doctor may only give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then may switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor .
Related/similar drugs
ondansetron, hydroxyzine, lorazepam, olanzapine, dexamethasone, promethazine
Precautions while using Tigan
Trimethobenzamide will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicines for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicines; prescription pain medicines or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of these medicines while you are using trimethobenzamide .
This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert .
Side Effects of Tigan
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
- Body spasm, with head and heels bent backward and body bowed forward
- convulsions (seizures)
- depression
- shakiness or tremors
- skin rash
- sore throat or fever
- unusual tiredness
- vomiting (severe or continuing)
- yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Drowsiness
Less common
- Blurred vision
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- muscle cramps
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Arrestin
- Benzacot
- Stemetic
- Ticon
- Tigan
- Tribenzagan
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antiemetic
Pharmacologic Class: Anticholinergic
More about Tigan (trimethobenzamide)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
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- Reviews (10)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: anticholinergic antiemetics
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Tigan oral/injection drug information
- Tigan (Trimethobenzamide Oral) (Advanced Reading)
- Tigan (Trimethobenzamide Capsules)
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Professional resources
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.