What are the uses of meclizine. How does meclizine work to treat vertigo and motion sickness. What are the common side effects of meclizine. How should meclizine be taken for maximum effectiveness. What precautions should be taken when using meclizine.

Understanding Meclizine: An Overview of the Antihistamine

Meclizine is a potent antihistamine that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating various conditions related to balance and motion. This medication works by reducing the effects of histamine, a natural chemical in the body associated with allergic reactions and other physiological processes.

Primarily, meclizine is utilized to address:

• Nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness
• Dizziness associated with motion sickness
• Symptoms of vertigo (a spinning sensation) resulting from inner ear disorders

While these are the primary applications, healthcare providers may occasionally prescribe meclizine for off-label uses not listed in the medication guide.

The Science Behind Meclizine: How Does It Work?

Meclizine’s mechanism of action is rooted in its antihistamine properties. By blocking histamine receptors in the brain, it helps to alleviate symptoms associated with motion sickness and vertigo. But how exactly does this process unfold in the body?

When meclizine is ingested, it:

1. Enters the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier
2. Binds to histamine receptors in the brain, particularly in areas responsible for balance and motion perception
3. Reduces the brain’s sensitivity to motion and positional changes
4. Decreases the likelihood of nausea and vomiting triggered by these sensations

This targeted action makes meclizine particularly effective for individuals suffering from motion sickness or vertigo-related disorders.

Dosage and Administration: Getting the Most from Meclizine

Proper administration of meclizine is crucial for achieving optimal results. How should one take this medication to ensure its effectiveness?

For motion sickness prevention:

• Take meclizine approximately 1 hour before travel or activity that may cause motion sickness
• A single dose can be taken every 24 hours while traveling

For vertigo treatment:

• Multiple daily doses may be necessary
• Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions

The chewable tablet form of meclizine must be thoroughly chewed before swallowing. It’s essential to adhere to the prescribed dosage and not exceed the recommended amount without consulting a healthcare provider.

Side Effects and Precautions: What to Watch Out For

While meclizine is generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and necessary precautions. What are the most common side effects associated with meclizine use?

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Vomiting (ironically, given its anti-nausea properties)

In rare cases, more severe allergic reactions may occur, characterized by:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

If any of these severe symptoms manifest, immediate medical attention is crucial. Additionally, meclizine may impair cognitive function and reaction times, necessitating caution when driving or operating machinery.

Drug Interactions: Navigating the Complexities of Meclizine Use

Understanding potential drug interactions is vital for safe and effective use of meclizine. Which medications might interact with meclizine, and how can these interactions affect its efficacy or safety?

Meclizine may interact with:

• Sedatives and sleeping pills
• Narcotic pain medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Antidepressants (e.g., bupropion, duloxetine, fluoxetine)
• Antiseizure medications
• Anxiety medications

These interactions can potentially enhance the sedative effects of meclizine, leading to increased drowsiness and impaired cognitive function. It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, that you’re currently taking.

Alcohol and Meclizine: A Risky Combination

Alcohol consumption can amplify certain side effects of meclizine, particularly drowsiness and dizziness. It’s advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medication to prevent potentially dangerous interactions.

Special Populations: Meclizine Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

For expectant or nursing mothers, understanding the implications of meclizine use is crucial. How safe is meclizine during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Pregnancy:

• Meclizine is classified as FDA pregnancy category B
• It’s not expected to harm an unborn baby
• Always consult with a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy

Breastfeeding:

• It’s unclear whether meclizine passes into breast milk
• Potential effects on nursing infants are unknown
• Consult with a healthcare provider before use while breastfeeding

For children under 12 years of age, meclizine is not recommended. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance regarding the use of this medication in special populations.

Alternative Treatments: When Meclizine Isn’t the Answer

While meclizine is effective for many individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone. What alternatives exist for those who can’t take meclizine or find it ineffective?

Other medications for vertigo and motion sickness include:

• Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
• Promethazine
• Scopolamine
• Ginger supplements (a natural alternative)

Non-pharmacological approaches can also be beneficial:

• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
• Acupressure wristbands
• Dietary modifications
• Stress reduction techniques

It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.

The Role of Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to medication, certain lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of vertigo and motion sickness:

• Avoiding triggers (e.g., certain foods, rapid head movements)
• Staying hydrated
• Getting adequate sleep
• Practicing relaxation techniques

These modifications, when combined with appropriate medical treatment, can significantly improve quality of life for those suffering from vertigo or motion sickness.

Long-term Use of Meclizine: Benefits and Risks

For individuals with chronic vertigo or frequent motion sickness, long-term use of meclizine may be necessary. What are the potential benefits and risks associated with extended use of this medication?

Benefits of long-term meclizine use:

• Consistent symptom relief
• Improved quality of life
• Enhanced ability to perform daily activities

Potential risks and considerations:

• Development of tolerance
• Increased risk of side effects
• Potential for drug interactions over time

Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider are essential for those using meclizine long-term. These appointments allow for monitoring of the medication’s effectiveness and any potential side effects or complications.

Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment

Long-term meclizine users should be aware of the need for periodic treatment reassessment. This may involve:

• Adjusting dosage based on symptom control
• Exploring alternative treatments if effectiveness diminishes
• Addressing any new side effects that may develop

By working closely with a healthcare provider, patients can ensure they’re receiving the most appropriate and effective treatment for their condition.

The Future of Vertigo Treatment: Beyond Meclizine

As medical research continues to advance, new treatments for vertigo and motion sickness are emerging. What does the future hold for individuals suffering from these conditions?

Promising areas of research include:

• Targeted gene therapies for inner ear disorders
• Advanced vestibular implants
• Novel drug delivery systems for more efficient medication administration
• Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic profiles

While meclizine remains a valuable tool in the management of vertigo and motion sickness, ongoing research may lead to even more effective treatments in the future.

The Role of Technology in Vertigo Management

Technological advancements are also playing a role in vertigo treatment and management:

• Virtual reality systems for vestibular rehabilitation
• Smartphone apps for tracking symptoms and medication effectiveness
• Wearable devices for continuous monitoring of balance and movement

These innovations may complement traditional medications like meclizine, offering a more comprehensive approach to vertigo and motion sickness management.

In conclusion, meclizine remains a cornerstone in the treatment of vertigo and motion sickness. Its effectiveness, coupled with a generally favorable side effect profile, makes it a valuable option for many patients. However, as with any medication, it’s crucial to use meclizine under the guidance of a healthcare professional, considering individual health factors, potential drug interactions, and alternative treatment options. As research continues to advance, the future holds promise for even more effective and personalized approaches to managing these challenging conditions.

Meclizine: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Generic name: meclizine [ MEK-li-zeen ]
Brand names: Antivert, Bonine, D-Vert, Dramamine Less Drowsy, Driminate II,
… show all 9 brands
Meclicot, Medivert, Ru-Vert-M, Meni-D

Drug class: Anticholinergic antiemetics

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Dec 12, 2022.

What is meclizine?

Meclizine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body.

Meclizine is used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is also used to treat symptoms of vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation) caused by disease that affects your inner ear.

Meclizine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to meclizine.

Before you take meclizine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or urination problems.

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of meclizine.

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by meclizine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use meclizine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure meclizine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:

FDA pregnancy category B. Meclizine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether meclizine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I take meclizine?

Use meclizine exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

To prevent motion sickness, take meclizine about 1 hour before you travel or engage in activity that causes motion sickness. You may take a dose once every 24 hours while you are traveling, to further prevent motion sickness.

To treat vertigo, you may need to take meclizine several times daily. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

This medication can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using meclizine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since meclizine is sometimes taken only when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid?

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of meclizine.

Meclizine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to meclizine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common meclizine side effects may include:

• headache;

• vomiting;

• dry mouth;

• tired feeling; or

• drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect meclizine?

Taking meclizine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can increase these effects. Ask your doctor before taking meclizine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with this medicine, especially:

• cinacalcet;

• quinidine;

• terbinafine; or

• the antidepressants bupropion, duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline.

Other drugs may interact with meclizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.

More about meclizine

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• Meclizine Tablets

Other brands

Antivert, Dramamine Less Drowsy, Dramamine II, Meclicot, . .. +2 more

Professional resources

• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Vertigo
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Motion Sickness

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use meclizine only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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Antivertigo Preparations | DrugBank Online

All categories

Name

Antivertigo Preparations

Accession Number

DBCAT002412

Description

Not Available

ATC Classification

• N — NERVOUS SYSTEM
• N07 — OTHER NERVOUS SYSTEM DRUGS
• N07C — ANTIVERTIGO PREPARATIONS
• N07CA — Antivertigo preparations

Drugs

Drug	Drug Description
Cinnarizine	A drug used for the management of labyrinthine disorder symptoms, including vertigo, tinnitus, nystagmus, nausea, and vomiting.
Flunarizine	A selective calcium-entry blocker used as migraine prophylaxis in patients with severe and frequent episodes who have not responded adequately to more common treatments.
Betahistine	An antivertigo agent used for the reduction of episodes of vertigo association with Ménière’s disease.
Acetylleucine	Used for treating vestibular-related imbalance and vertigo.
Meclizine	A histamine h2 antagonist used to treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.

Drugs & Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Type
Cinnarizine	Histamine h2 receptor	target
Cinnarizine	Dopamine D2 receptor	target
Cinnarizine	Voltage-dependent T-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1H	target
Cinnarizine	Cytochrome P450 2D6	enzyme
Cinnarizine	Cytochrome P450 2B6	enzyme
Cinnarizine	Cytochrome P450 2C9	enzyme
Cinnarizine	Cytochrome P450 1A1	enzyme
Cinnarizine	Cytochrome P450 1A2	enzyme
Cinnarizine	Cytochrome P450 2A6	enzyme
Cinnarizine	Voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1C	target
Cinnarizine	Voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1S	target
Cinnarizine	Voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1F	target
Cinnarizine	Voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1D	target
Cinnarizine	Voltage-dependent T-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1G	target
Cinnarizine	Voltage-dependent T-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1I	target
Cinnarizine	D(1) dopamine receptor	target
Cinnarizine	Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor	target
Cinnarizine	Cytochrome P450 3A4	enzyme
Cinnarizine	Serum albumin	carrier
Flunarizine	Histamine h2 receptor	target
Flunarizine	Voltage-dependent T-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1G	target
Flunarizine	Voltage-dependent T-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1H	target
Flunarizine	Voltage-dependent T-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1I	target
Flunarizine	Calmodulin	target
Flunarizine	Cytochrome P450 2D6	enzyme
Flunarizine	Cytochrome P450 2C9	enzyme
Flunarizine	Cytochrome P450 1A1	enzyme
Flunarizine	Cytochrome P450 1A2	enzyme
Flunarizine	Cytochrome P450 2A6	enzyme
Flunarizine	Cytochrome P450 3A4	enzyme
Betahistine	Histamine h2 receptor	target
Betahistine	Histamine h4 receptor	target
Betahistine	Monoamine oxidase	enzyme
Meclizine	Histamine h2 receptor	target
Meclizine	Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group I member 3	target
Meclizine	Cytochrome P450 2D6	enzyme
Meclizine	Serum albumin	carrier

Vertigoheel® – Official website in Russia!

Modern man lives, perhaps, the most eventful life in the history of mankind. We manage to do a lot of household chores at the same time, we travel daily to another part of the city to work, visit and shop, we travel around the world on vacation or business trips… be just a metaphor. Sad but true: dizziness is one of the most common patient complaints today ¹

There can be many reasons for this unpleasant phenomenon, from quite harmless to serious diseases requiring immediate medical attention. First of all, it should be noted that dizziness can be central (caused by problems with the nervous system, migraines, as well as diseases or malnutrition of the brain) and peripheral (caused by diseases of the inner ear and vestibular apparatus, as well as various emotional and psychological factors or metabolic disorders). substances) ² . The second type of dizziness is the most common. In addition, we should not forget about dizziness caused by stress and lack of sleep, as well as individual physiological characteristics: for example, in transport, when climbing to high altitudes or when observing fast moving objects.

Symptoms and effects

Symptoms of vertigo include not only loss of coordination in space and the feeling that “the ground is moving out from under your feet”, but also double vision, nausea, ringing in the ears and hearing problems, as well as general weakness, overwork and panic attacks.

The consequences of dizziness can be very dangerous, ranging from mild discomfort to serious injury caused by loss of coordination in space and falling or colliding with various objects. But there is also emotional damage – feeling unwell in transport can easily spoil the impressions of a vacation.

It is paradoxical that, although dizziness causes a lot of inconvenience and discomfort, many patients do not seek to treat it. They would rather wait until the unpleasant symptoms go away on their own than spend time on complex and expensive treatments or resort to powerful synthetic drugs.

The bioregulatory method* of treatment can help in solving this problem. The essence of this direction in modern medicine lies in the fact that the human body is seen as a complex system of interrelations that influence each other and are aimed at helping the body to defeat the disease on its own and restore normal operation without resorting to aggressive synthetic drugs ³ . An important difference between bioregulatory methods * of treatment is the fact that here an important role is played not so much by the treatment of the acute stage of the disease, but by competent prevention and recovery of the body after a crisis.

That is why bioregulatory medicine* has become a real discovery for patients suffering from vertigo. After all, competently and timely treatment will help not only eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but also prevent their occurrence, for example, during a trip in transport.

To solve these problems, Vertigoheel® was developed, a dizziness preparation based on natural ingredients, acting on the principles of bioregulatory medicine* and meeting the high standards of German quality.

Indications for use ⁴

Vertigoheel® is recommended for dizziness of various origins, including dizziness caused by motion sickness in transport.

Among the contraindications of the drug: increased individual sensitivity to its individual components, as well as lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorption for the tablet form.

In addition, Vertigoheel® is contraindicated in women during pregnancy and breastfeeding (due to insufficient clinical data), as well as in children under 18 years of age (due to insufficient clinical data).

When people with diabetes take Vertigoheel® in the form of tablets, it should be taken into account that the carbohydrate content in 1 tablet of the drug corresponds to 0.025 bread units.

Due to the content of ethyl alcohol, Vertigochel® drops are used with caution in liver disease, alcoholism, traumatic brain injury and brain disease.

Method of administration and dosage ⁴

The drug is available in the form of drops and tablets.

When choosing drops, the dosage is 10 drops, which must be dissolved in 100 ml of water; reception should be repeated 3 times a day. The standard course of therapy is 2-3 weeks. If the effect of the drug is not effective enough, it is recommended to consult a doctor. In acute sudden attacks of dizziness and nausea, the regimen and dosage should be as follows: 10 drops every 15 minutes, but not more than 2 hours. For the prevention and treatment of dizziness when using transport, it is necessary to take 10 drops every 15 minutes 1 hour before the trip, as well as during the trip.

If the choice fell on tablets, then the dosage is 1 tablet 3 times a day. The tablet should be kept in the mouth until completely resorbed. In acute sudden attacks of dizziness and nausea, take 1 tablet every 15 minutes, but not more than 2 hours. The standard course of therapy in this case is also 2-3 weeks. For the prevention and treatment of dizziness when using transport, it is recommended to take 1 tablet every 15 minutes 1 hour before the trip and as needed for 1 hour during the trip. Then take 1 tablet 3 times a day.

An undoubted advantage of Vertigoheel® is the fact that, being a bioregulatory drug*, it is perfectly combined with other medicines prescribed by a doctor.

Composition ⁴

Vertigoheel® is a multicomponent natural preparation. Among its active ingredients (per 100 g of drops): Anamirta cocculus (Cocculus) D4 70 g, Petroleum rectificatum D8 10 g, Ambra grisea (Ambra) D6 10 g, Conium maculatum (Conium) D3 10 g. The solvent is 35% ethanol.

Active ingredients per 1 tablet: Anamirta cocculus (Cocculus) (anamyrta cocculus (cocculus)) D4 210 mg, Conium maculatum (Conium) (conium maculatum (conium)) D3 30 mg, Ambra grisea (Ambra) )) D6 30 mg, Petroleum rectificatum (petroleum rectificatum) D8 30 mg; auxiliary components: magnesium stearate 1.5 mg, lactose to obtain a tablet weighing about 0.302 g ⁴ .

• Download complete package insert for Vertigoheel® drops
• Download complete instructions for medical use of Vertigoheel® tab

Find out if Vertigoheel® is available in your city

Go to website

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Trust your health to bioregulatory medicine* and German quality.

Vertigoheel® – for a comfortable life without dizziness.

¹ Strupp M., Brandt T. Diagnosis and Treatment of Vertigo and Dizziness // Deutsches Arzteblatt International. 2008 Vol. 105(10). P. 173–180.

² Strupp M., Dieterich M., Brandt T. The treatment and natural course of peripheral and central vertigo // Deutsches Arzteblatt International. 2013. Vol. 110(29–30). P. 505–516.

³ Goldman A., Burmeister Y., Cesnulevicius K. Bioregulatory systems medicine: an innovative approach to integrating the science of molecular networks, inflammation, and biology systems with the patient’s autoregulatory capacity // Front Physiol. 2015. Vol. 6. P. 225.

⁴ The Vertigoheel® Prescribing Information is available in tablet and drop versions. Specify the form of release of Vertigoheel® you need and use the appropriate instructions.

*The efficiency of multi-target drugs: the network approach might help drug design. Trends Pharmacol.Sci.;GoldmanAW at el.(2015) The information contained in the current instructions for use for Vertigochel® preparations indicates their multicomponent composition and the corresponding mode of action.Therefore, these drugs are classified as bioregulatory.

Registration number: LP-No. (000690)-(RG-RU) dated 04/13/2022, LP-No. (000827)-(RG-RU) dated 05/25/2022

“Reklama”, Advertiser: Heel Rus LLC » (TIN 7714415356)

description of the disease in the ICD-10 radar reference book.

Dizziness is a false sense of movement or rotation, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Risk factors depend on the specific case, gender does not matter.

Vertigo is a symptom of many diseases and the result of a variety of diseases, from damage to the vestibular organs of the inner ear to disorders of the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain, or problems in those areas of the brain that are responsible for balance.

Most often, dizziness occurs suddenly and can last from a few minutes to several days. This condition can be very painful, sometimes making it impossible for a person to walk or even maintain balance while standing.

Dizziness is often caused by arthritis of the cervical spine, a disease that most often affects the elderly. In this case, dizziness begins after turning or tilting the head, when the blood vessels that feed the areas of the brain responsible for maintaining balance are compressed.

Another common cause of dizziness is an infection of the vestibular apparatus. This disease usually begins with viral infections of the respiratory tract, such as the common cold or flu, or, much less commonly, with a bacterial infection of the middle ear.

Recurrent vertigo associated with hearing loss and murmurs in one or both ears may result from an inner ear disorder, Ménière’s disease. Migraine sufferers are especially prone to dizziness. Sometimes dizziness occurs as a side effect of certain antibiotics, as a result of alcohol abuse, or as a symptom of food poisoning or heat stroke.

Dizziness can also be caused by salt deposits in the inner ear. In this case, discomfort occurs when the position of the head changes, but usually within a few weeks or months, the severity of dizziness weakens.

Rare causes of dizziness include swelling of the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain, stroke, head trauma, and multiple sclerosis. These serious illnesses may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as speech and vision problems and weakness in the limbs. A person who feels dizzy along with these symptoms needs immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis

Special research methods may include a caloric test: water of various temperatures is poured into the ear, which makes it possible to determine the condition of the vestibular apparatus. An x-ray of the neck is taken to check for the presence or absence of cervical spondylosis. If, in addition to dizziness, tinnitus is felt, then it is necessary to undergo computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to exclude pressure from the tumor on the brain tissue.