- What is meclizine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- Is meclizine available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for meclizine?
- What are the side effects of meclizine?
- What is the dosage for meclizine?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with meclizine?
- Is meclizine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about meclizine?
What is meclizine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
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.
Do I need a prescription for meclizine?
: Yes, depending on strengths there are none prescription strength products available,
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.
What 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).
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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Top meclizine Related Articles
anticholinergics-antispasmodics-oral
Anticholinergic or antispasmodic (generic name) drugs include prescription medications used to treat a variety of medical conditions like:
- muscle spasms,
- breathing problems,
- movement disorders,
- nausea,
- diarrhea,
- motion sickness,
- and gastrointestinal cramps.
Examples of anticholinergic (antispasmodic) drugs include:
- Parkinson's disease medications,
- Benadryl, antipsychotics,
- Thorazine,
- Seroquel,
- belladona,
- Bentyl,
- and Levsin.
Examples of anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder include:
- Ditropan,
- Enablex,
- Vesicare,
- Toviaz,
- Detrol,
- and Sanctura.
Examples of anticholinergic antidepressant medications include:
- Endep,
- Pamelor,
- Anafranil,
- and Norpranmin.
Examples of anticholinergic muscle relaxants include:
- Flexeril,
- Soma,
- Robaxin,
- and Norflex.
Anticholinergic motion sickness medications include:
- atropine,
- belladonna,
- Bentyl,
- Phenergan,
- Imodium,
- and respiratory medications.
Anticholinergic drug side effects, drug interactions, storage, dosing, and pregnancy and safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
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.Dizziness (Dizzy)
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.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions occur frequently. Get facts about the types of drug interactions, what substances or other things that may interact with drugs such as OTC drug and prescription drugs, vitamins, food(s) (grapefruit), and laboratory tests. Find out how to protect yourself from potential drug interactions.Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs
Important information about your drugs should be reviewed prior to taking any prescription drug. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precauctions, dosage, what the drug is used for, what to do if you miss a dose, how the drug is to be stored, and generic vs. brand names.Inner Ear Infection
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.
Labyrinthitis (Inner Ear Inflammation)
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.
Meniere 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.
- diuretics,
- anti-vertigo,
- anti-nausea, and
- low salt diets.
Motion Sickness (Sea Sickness, Car 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.
Nausea and Vomiting
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.
Take the Vertigo Quiz
Take the quiz and find out the causes, symptoms, treatments, and ways to prevent the confusing balance disorder called vertigo.Vertigo Overview
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.
Vestibular 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.
