What is meclizine? What are the uses for meclizine?
Meclizine is an antihistamine with antiemetic (anti-nausea) and antispasmodic (anti-muscle spasm) activity. It also suppresses the nervous system by blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use for communicating with each other.) Meclizine prevents nausea and vomiting by reducing the activity of the center in the brain that controls nausea. It also prevents motion sickness by reducing excitability of neurons in the motion and balance center (vestibular region) of the brain. The FDA approved meclizine in February 1957.
Meclizine is used to treat and prevent vertigo, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and motion sickness.
Is meclizine available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for meclizine?
Yes
What are the side effects of meclizine?
Meclizine can cause drowsiness. Other side effects include:
- nausea,
- dry mouth,
- blurred vision,
- rash,
- constipation,
- diarrhea and
- urinary retention (inability or difficulty urinating).
Meclizine also has been associated with hypotension (low blood pressure) and heart palpitations.
SLIDESHOW
Tinnitus: Why Are My Ears Ringing? See SlideshowWhat is the dosage for meclizine?
When used for treating symptoms of motion sickness, meclizine 12.5-50 mg should be taken one hour prior to travel and then every 24 hours for the duration of the journey. The dosing should not exceed 50 mg in 24 hours. Vertigo is treated with 25-100 mg daily in a single dose or in 4 divided dose
Which drugs or supplements interact with meclizine?
Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers can increase drowsiness caused by meclizine. Combining meclizine with pramlintide (Symlin) increases the effect of both drugs on slowing bowel movement.
Is meclizine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Available information suggests that the risk of harm to the baby is minimal when meclizine is used while breastfeeding.
What else should I know about meclizine?
What preparations of meclizine are available?
Tablets: 12.5, 25, and 50 mg. Chewable Tablets: 25 mg
How should I keep meclizine stored?
Meclizine tablets should be stored between 15 C and 30 C (59 and 86 F). Capsules should be stored below 30 C (86 F).
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Summary
Meclizine (Antivert, Bonine, Meni-D, Antrizine) is an OTC antinausea medication used to treat nausea and vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Meniere's Disease
Meniere disease (idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is an inner ear disorder with symptoms that include: vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and the sensation of ear fullness. The primary treatments for Meniere disease are: diuretics, anti-vertigo, anti-nausea, and low salt diets. Surgery may be recommended if the vertigo cannot be controlled with medication.
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Vertigo
Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or rocking, even when someone is at rest. Vertigo may be caused by a problem in the brain or spinal cord or a problem within in the inner ear. Head injuries, certain medications, and female gender are associated with a higher risk of vertigo. Medical history, a physical exam, and sometimes an MRI or CT scan are required to diagnose vertigo. The treatment of vertigo may include medication, special exercises to reposition loose crystals in the inner ear, or exercises designed to help the patient re-establish a sense of equilibrium. Controlling risk factors for stroke (blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and blood glucose) may decrease the risk of developing vertigo.
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Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is a feeling of unwellness caused by the inner ear and balance systems. Motion sickness can include sea sickness, car sickness, and train or plane sickness. Symptoms include, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, cold sweats, and pale skin. Treatment for motion sickness includes home remedies such as ginger, avoiding large or fatty meals prior to traveling, and OTC and prescription medications.
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Antiemetics
Nausea and vomiting after eating are symptoms that may be caused by many conditions. Antiemetics are drugs that help get rid of nausea and vomiting. Though some antiemetics for motion sickness and mild nausea remedies are available over the counter (OTC), most require a medical evaluation and prescription. Read experts describing what causes nausea and how to stop nausea and vomiting.
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Nausea and Vomiting (Causes, Natural Remedies, Diet, Medication)
Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often precedes vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but they are symptoms of many conditions. There are numerous cases of nausea and vomiting. Some causes may not require medical treatment, for example, motion sickness, and other causes may require medical treatment by a doctor, for example, heart attack, lung infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Some causes of nausea and vomiting may be life threatening, for example, heart attack, abdominal obstruction, and cancers. Treatment of nausea and vomiting depends upon the cause.
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Dizziness
Dizziness is a symptom that often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of dizziness include low blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, dehydration, and other medical conditions. Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause.
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Balance Disorders
Balance is a state of body equilibrium or stability. We often take for granted how dependent we are on a healthy balance system. When the system breaks down, however, patients will describe symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, or motion sickness.
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Inner Ear Infection (Labyrinthitis)
Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the labyrinth (the part of the ear responsible for balance and hearing). Doctors do not know the exact cause of labyrinthitis; however, they often are associated viral infections of the inner ear. Symptoms of labyrinthitis are ear pain or earache, ear discharge, problems with balance and walking, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. Viral infections associated with labyrinthitis are contagious. Home remedies may help labyrinthitis symptoms and signs. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medication may treat inner ear infections, labyrinthitis symptoms like vertigo and nausea, and help ear pain.
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Inner Ear Infection (Symptoms, Signs, Treatments, Home Remedies)
An inner ear infection or otitis interna is caused by viruses or bacteria and can occur in both adults and children. An inner ear infection can cause symptoms and signs, for example, a severe ear, dizziness, vertigo, nausea and vomiting, and vertigo. An inner ear infection also may cause inflammation of the inner ear or labyrinthitis. Inner ear infections are not contagious; however, the bacteria and viruses that cause the infection can be transmitted to other people. Good hygiene practices will help decrease the chances of the infection spreading to others. Inner ear infection symptoms and signs like ear pain and nausea may be relieved with home remedies or over the counter (OTC) medication. Some inner ear infections will need to be treated and cured with antibiotics or prescription pain or antinausea medication.
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