Side Effects of Antivert (meclizine)

Antivert (meclizine) is an antihistamine with antiemetic (anti-nausea) and antispasmodic (anti-muscle spasm) activity used to treat and prevent vertigo, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and motion sickness.

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).

Antivert 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. 

Common side effects of Antivert include

• nausea,
• dry mouth,
• blurred vision,
• rash,
• constipation,
• diarrhea and
• urinary retention (inability or difficulty urinating).

Serious side effects of Antivert include

• low blood pressure (hypotension) and
• heart palpitations.

Drug interactions of Antivert include alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers, which can increase drowsiness caused by Antivert. Combining Antivert with pramlintide increases the effect of both drugs on slowing bowel movement.

Antivert should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary.

Available information suggests that the risk of harm to the baby is minimal when Antivert is used while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

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.

Anaphylactoid reaction, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, vomiting and, on rare occasions, blurred vision have been reported.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Casper Pharma LLC. at 1-844– 5–CASPER (1-844-522-7737) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

There may be increased CNS depression when meclizine is administered concurrently with other CNS depressants, including alcohol, tranquilizers, and sedatives.

Based on in-vitro evaluation, meclizine is metabolized by CYP2D6. Therefore there is a possibility for a drug interaction between meclizine and CYP2D6 inhibitors.