What should dimenhydrinate be diluted with prior to IV administration?

Dimenhydrinate, an antihistamine commonly used to prevent nausea and motion sickness, should be diluted with normal saline prior to intravenous (IV) administration. Normal saline is a sterile solution containing 0.9% sodium chloride, which makes it isotonic and safe for direct infusion into the bloodstream. This makes it suitable for reconstituting or diluting medications, as it can help to ensure that the medication is delivered effectively while maintaining fluid balance in the patient.

Using normal saline also provides an appropriate medium that does not interfere with the pharmacological properties of dimenhydrinate, allowing for optimal absorption and efficacy once administered. It helps to minimize irritation at the site of injection, which is particularly important for medications that may be more caustic if given undiluted.

Other dilution options, such as sterile water, may not be suitable as they can cause hemolysis in red blood cells if used for IV administration. Ringer's solution, while also isotonic, contains additional electrolytes that may not be necessary for this specific medication. Alcohol, on the other hand, is not a suitable diluent for injectable medications as it can cause irritation and adverse reactions at the injection site.

Thus, normal saline is the preferred choice for diluting