Meclizine

What is Meclizine?[edit | edit source]

Meclizine is a histamine (H1) receptor antagonist used largely to treat vertigo and motion sickness.

Meclizine

Meclizine R2

What are the uses of this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Meclizine is used for the treatment of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system in adults.

Meclizine is also used for prevention and treatment of these symptoms associated with motion sickness:

nausea
vomiting
dizziness

How does this medicine work?[edit | edit source]

Meclizine (mek' li zeen) is a first generation antihistamine that belongs to the piperazine class of these agents (with cyclizine and hydroxyzine) which are used largely for their antiemetic and sedative effects. Meclizine is used mostly for the treatment of vertigo and symptoms of nausea, vomiting and dizziness associated with motion sickness.
The hydrochloride salt form of meclizine, a synthetic piperazine with anti-emetic, sedative and histamine H1 antagonistic properties. Meclizine hydrochloride blocks the H1 histamine receptor and prevents the symptoms that are caused by histamine activity on capillaries, bronchial and gastrointestinal smooth muscles, including vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, bronchoconstriction, and spasmodic contraction of gastrointestinal smooth muscles.
Meclizine hydrochloride may exert its antiemetic effects by its anticholinergic actions or due to a direct effect on the medullary chemoreceptive trigger zone.

Who Should Not Use this medicine ?[edit | edit source]

This medicine cannot be used in patients with:

hypersensitivity to meclizine or any of the inactive ingredients.

What drug interactions can this medicine cause?[edit | edit source]

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Be sure to mention any of the following:

amobarbital (Amytal), medications for colds or allergies, pain medications, phenobarbital, sedatives, seizure medications, sleeping pills, tranquilizers

Is this medicine FDA approved?[edit | edit source]

Meclizine was first approved for use in the United States in 1957.

How should this medicine be used?[edit | edit source]

Recommended dosage: Treatment of vertigo associated with diseases:

The recommended dosage is 25 mg to 100 mg daily administered orally, in divided doses, depending upon clinical response.

For symptoms associated with motion sickness:

To prevent motion sickness; take the first dose one hour before starting activity.

Adults and children 12 years of age and over:

1 to 2 tablets once daily, or as directed by a doctor.

Administration:

Meclizine comes as a regular and chewable tablet and a capsule.
For motion sickness, meclizine should be taken 1 hour before you start to travel.
Doses may be taken every 24 hours if needed.
For dizziness caused by an ear condition, follow your doctor's directions.
Chewable tablets may be chewed or swallowed whole.

What are the dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?[edit | edit source]

This medicine is available in fallowing doasage form:

As chewable tablet and a capsule
As Tablets: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg

This medicine is available in fallowing brand namesː

Antivert
Bonine
Dramamine Less Drowsy
Verticalm
Zentrip

What side effects can this medication cause?[edit | edit source]

The most common side effects of this medicine include:

anaphylactic reaction, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and vomiting

On rare occasions blurred vision has been reported.

What special precautions should I follow?[edit | edit source]

Since drowsiness may occur with use of meclizine hydrochloride. Use caution when driving a car or operating dangerous machinery.
Patients should avoid alcoholic beverages while taking meclizine hydrochloride.
Because of its potential anticholinergic action, meclizine hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with asthma, glaucoma, or enlargement of the prostate gland.
Advise patients that the tablets must be swallowed whole.
Advise patients that meclizine hydrochloride may cause anaphylactic reaction, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, vomiting and, on rare occasions, blurred vision.
Meclizine has not been linked to instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?[edit | edit source]

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline of your country. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose related information is also available online at poisonhelp.org/help.
In the event that the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services. In the United States, call 911.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?[edit | edit source]

Epidemiological studies reporting on pregnancies exposed to meclizine have not identified an association between the use of meclizine during pregnancy and an increased risk of major birth defects.

Can this medicine be used in children?[edit | edit source]

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

What are the active and inactive ingredients in this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Active Ingredients:

MECLIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Inactive Ingredients:

SILICON DIOXIDE
LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE
MAGNESIUM STEARATE
CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE
SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO
TALC
FD&C BLUE NO. 1

Who manufactures and distributes this medicine?[edit | edit source]

Distributed by:

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Bridgewater, NJ

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?[edit | edit source]

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).
Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP.

First Generation Antihistamines

Second Generation Antihistamines

Meclizine Resources
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