How does meclizine work. What are the upsides and downsides of using meclizine. How to take meclizine effectively. What are the potential interactions with other medications.

Understanding Meclizine: Mechanism of Action and Uses

Meclizine is a versatile medication used to treat various conditions, including vertigo and nausea associated with motion sickness or radiation therapy. Its effectiveness stems from its dual action on the body’s systems.

How does meclizine work in the body? Meclizine primarily functions by blocking h2-histamine receptors, which reduces the effects of histamine. This action leads to:

• Decreased vasodilation (opening of blood vessels)
• Reduced permeability of blood vessels
• Narrowing of airways
• Alleviation of stomach cramps

Additionally, meclizine exhibits an anticholinergic effect, blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors. These combined effects reduce stimulation of the vomiting center in the brain, particularly from the vestibular system, which is responsible for sensing motion and maintaining balance.

Is meclizine effective in treating motion sickness? Yes, meclizine is particularly effective in treating nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness. It’s also used to relieve symptoms of vertigo related to conditions such as labyrinthitis and Meniere’s disease.

Off-label Uses of Meclizine

While not FDA-approved for these purposes, meclizine is sometimes prescribed off-label for:

• Treatment of nausea during pregnancy
• Managing nausea resulting from radiation therapy

It’s important to note that meclizine belongs to the class of drugs known as first-generation antihistamines and may also be referred to as an antiemetic.

Advantages of Using Meclizine

Meclizine offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for treating motion sickness and vertigo:

1. Effective in treating nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness
2. Relieves symptoms of vertigo in diseases like labyrinthitis and Meniere’s disease
3. Less sedating compared to other motion sickness medications
4. Available as a generic medication, making it more affordable
5. Can be used off-label for pregnancy-related nausea and radiation therapy-induced nausea

Why is meclizine preferred over other antihistamines for motion sickness? Meclizine is often chosen because it causes less drowsiness compared to other antihistamines, allowing users to remain more alert during travel or daily activities.

Potential Downsides and Side Effects of Meclizine

While meclizine is generally well-tolerated, it’s crucial to be aware of potential side effects and contraindications:

• Drowsiness or dizziness, which may affect driving or operating machinery
• Dry mouth, headache, and tiredness
• Rarely, blurred vision
• Not recommended for children under 12 years of age
• May be unsuitable for individuals with certain health conditions

Who should exercise caution when using meclizine? Meclizine may not be suitable for people with asthma, glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, or prostate gland enlargement. Elderly or frail individuals may be particularly sensitive to its effects.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

In rare cases, allergic-type reactions to meclizine have been reported. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Proper Usage and Dosage Guidelines for Meclizine

To maximize the benefits of meclizine while minimizing potential side effects, follow these guidelines:

• Take meclizine one hour before travel for motion sickness prevention
• The dosage may be repeated every 24 hours for extended journeys
• Avoid driving or operating machinery if meclizine causes drowsiness
• Consider taking meclizine the night before travel if it causes drowsiness
• Do not consume alcohol while taking meclizine
• Never give meclizine to children under 12 years old without medical advice

How long does it take for meclizine to start working? Meclizine typically takes about an hour to become effective when used for motion sickness. Its effects can last between 8 to 24 hours.

Interactions with Other Medications

Meclizine can interact with various medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing side effects. Some common interactions include:

• Alzheimer’s disease medications (e.g., donepezil, galantamine)
• Anticholinergics (e.g., benztropine, scopolamine)
• Antipsychotics
• Botulinum toxin-containing products
• Buprenorphine
• Sedating medications (e.g., sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, antidepressants)
• Nervous system depressants
• Pain relievers
• Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics

Should you stop taking other medications when using meclizine? Not necessarily. While interactions may occur, it doesn’t always mean you must discontinue one of the medications. Always consult your healthcare provider about managing potential drug interactions.

Meclizine and Alcohol: A Risky Combination

Combining meclizine with alcohol can lead to increased side effects and is generally not recommended. Alcohol can enhance the drowsiness and dizziness caused by meclizine, potentially leading to dangerous situations, especially when operating vehicles or machinery.

Why is it important to avoid alcohol while taking meclizine? Alcohol can intensify the sedative effects of meclizine, increasing the risk of accidents and impairing cognitive function. It’s best to abstain from alcohol consumption during meclizine treatment to ensure safety and optimal medication effectiveness.

Special Considerations for Meclizine Use

Certain groups of people should exercise extra caution when considering meclizine use:

• Elderly patients: May be more sensitive to side effects
• Individuals with chronic health conditions: Those with asthma, glaucoma, liver or kidney disease should consult their doctor before use
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: While sometimes used off-label for pregnancy-related nausea, always consult a healthcare provider first
• Children: Not recommended for children under 12 years old

Are there any alternatives to meclizine for those who can’t take it? Yes, there are other antihistamines and antiemetics that can be used for motion sickness and vertigo. These include dimenhydrinate, promethazine, and ondansetron. However, each has its own set of benefits and potential side effects, so it’s essential to discuss options with a healthcare provider.

Maximizing the Effectiveness of Meclizine

To get the most benefit from meclizine while minimizing potential side effects, consider the following tips:

1. Take meclizine at the right time: For motion sickness, take it an hour before travel
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to combat potential dry mouth side effects
3. Monitor your response: Pay attention to how meclizine affects you, especially regarding drowsiness
4. Combine with non-medicinal strategies: Use meclizine alongside other motion sickness prevention techniques, such as focusing on a stable horizon or getting fresh air
5. Store properly: Keep meclizine at room temperature and away from moisture

Can lifestyle changes complement meclizine treatment for vertigo? Absolutely. Alongside meclizine, consider vestibular rehabilitation exercises, stress reduction techniques, and dietary modifications to manage vertigo symptoms more effectively.

Meclizine is a valuable medication for managing motion sickness and vertigo, offering relief to many individuals struggling with these conditions. Its effectiveness, combined with a relatively low side effect profile compared to some alternatives, makes it a popular choice. However, as with any medication, it’s crucial to use meclizine responsibly, following prescribed guidelines and being aware of potential interactions and side effects. By understanding how meclizine works and how to use it effectively, patients can maximize its benefits while minimizing risks, leading to improved quality of life and symptom management.

Meclizine: 7 things you should know

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Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 28, 2023.

1. How it works

• Meclizine is used for several different conditions, such as vertigo, or nausea associated with motion sickness or radiation therapy.
• Meclizine blocks h2-histamine receptors, reducing the effects of histamine such as vasodilation (opening up of the blood vessels) and increased permeability, narrowing of the airways, and stomach cramps. Meclizine also has an anticholinergic action (this means it blocks the effect of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, on muscarinic receptors). Both these effects reduce stimulation of the vomiting center (one of the areas of the brain thought to control vomiting) from the vestibular system (the structure within each ear that provides the brain with sensory information about motion, equilibrium, and spatial orientation). These actions are thought to contribute to the antiemetic effect of meclizine. Meclizine may also act directly on the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
• Meclizine belongs to the class of drugs known as first-generation antihistamines. It may also be called an antiemetic.

2. Upsides

• Used to treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.
• May also be used to relieve symptoms of vertigo associated with diseases such as labyrinthitis and Meniere’s disease.
• May occasionally be given off-label (not an FDA-approved indication) for the treatment of nausea during pregnancy or as a result of radiation therapy.
• Not as sedating as some other medicines used for motion sickness.
• Generic meclizine is available.

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• May cause drowsiness or dizziness and affect a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcohol because it may enhance these side effects.
• May also cause a dry mouth, a headache, tiredness, and rarely, blurred vision.
• Not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.
• May not be suitable for people with asthma, glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, or prostate gland enlargement. The elderly or frail may be particularly sensitive to meclizine’s effects.
• May interact with several other drugs including those that cause sedation or drugs that are also metabolized by CYP2D6 hepatic enzymes.
• Rarely, allergic-type reactions to meclizine have been reported.

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

Meclizine may be used to treat vertigo or nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness; however, it takes approximately an hour to start working and may cause drowsiness, although it is less likely than some other antihistamines to cause drowsiness.

5. Tips

• Take one hour before you travel if you are using meclizine to prevent motion sickness. The dosage of meclizine may be repeated every 24 hours for the duration of the journey.
• Do not drive or operate machinery if meclizine makes you drowsy or impairs your judgment. If meclizine does make you drowsy, try taking it the night before you travel.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking meclizine as this can enhance its side effects.
• Do not give meclizine to children under the age of 12.

6. Response and effectiveness

• Meclizine works in about an hour when used for motion sickness. It should be taken at least an hour before traveling for maximal benefit. The effects of meclizine persist for 8 to 24 hours

7. Interactions

Medicines that interact with meclizine may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with meclizine. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Common medications that may interact with meclizine include:

• Alzheimer’s disease medications, such as donepezil or galantamine
• anticholinergics, such as benztropine, scopolamine
• antipsychotics, such as chlorpromazine, clozapine, fluphenazine, thioridazine, or risperidone
• botulinum-toxin containing products
• buprenorphine
• medications that can induce drowsiness, such as sleeping pills, first-generation antihistamines, muscle relaxants, most antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications
• nervous system depressants, such as barbiturates
• pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone
• thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics.

Avoid drinking alcohol because it may increase the side effects of meclizine.

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with meclizine. You should refer to the prescribing information for meclizine for a complete list of interactions.

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• Prescribing Information

Related treatment guides

• Vertigo
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References

• Meclizine. Updated 04/2022. Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York LLC https://www.drugs.com/pro/meclizine.html

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.

Copyright 1996-2023 Drugs.com. Revision date: May 30, 2023.

Medical Disclaimer

Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More

Highlights for meclizine

1. Meclizine oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-named drug Antivert. It’s also available as a generic drug.
2. Meclizine comes as a tablet you take by mouth.
3. Meclizine oral tablet is used to treat vertigo (a condition that causes you to feel like you or the room is spinning).

• Drowsiness warning: This drug may cause drowsiness. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do other tasks that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you.
• Alcohol use warning: The use of drinks that contain alcohol can make drowsiness caused by meclizine worse. You should limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you take this drug.

Meclizine is a prescription drug that comes as an oral tablet. It also comes as a chewable tablet.

Meclizine oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-named drug Antivert. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.

Why it’s used

Meclizine oral tablet is used to treat vertigo (feeling like you or the room is spinning).

Meclizine may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other drugs.

How it works

Meclizine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Meclizine works in your brain. It works by blocking chemicals that control nausea, vomiting, and balance.

Meclizine oral tablet may cause drowsiness. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do other tasks that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you. It may also cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of meclizine can include:

• drowsiness
• tiredness
• headache
• blurry vision
• dry mouth

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• serious allergic reactions, with symptoms such as:
  • trouble breathing
  • swelling of your throat or tongue

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

Meclizine oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Taking meclizine with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from these drugs. Examples of these drugs include:

• Drugs that treat insomnia, such as zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone, temazepam, triazolam, estazolam, flurazepam, suvorexant, and doxepin. Taking these drugs with meclizine can increase your risk of sedative effects. These include drowsiness, slowed breathing, and trouble thinking.
• Drugs that treat psychotic disorders, such as haloperidol, fluphenazine, chlorpromazine, olanzapine, clozapine, quetiapine, and risperidone. Taking these drugs with meclizine can increase your risk of sedative effects. These include drowsiness, slowed breathing, and trouble thinking.
• Drugs that treat anxiety, such as lorazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam, diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, paroxetine, and hydroxyzine. Taking these drugs with meclizine can increase your risk of sedative effects. These include drowsiness, slowed breathing, and trouble thinking.
• Drugs that treat allergies, such as clemastine, carbinoxamine, diphenhydramine, and hydroxyzine. Taking these drugs with meclizine can increase your risk of sedative effects. These include drowsiness, slowed breathing, and trouble thinking.
• Drugs that treat muscle spasms, such as cyclobenzaprine, orphenadrine, baclofen, and methocarbamol. Taking these drugs with meclizine can increase your risk of sedative effects. These include drowsiness, slowed breathing, and trouble thinking.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you’re taking.

Meclizine oral tablet comes with several warnings

Allergy warning

Meclizine can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

• trouble breathing
• swelling of your throat or tongue
• rash
• hives

If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Alcohol interaction warning

The use of drinks that contain alcohol can increase your risk of drowsiness from meclizine. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with breathing problems: This drug can thicken the mucus in your lungs. This may make it harder for you to breathe. Talk with your doctor if you have breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), before starting this drug.

For people with glaucoma: This drug may make your glaucoma symptoms worse. Speak with your doctor if you have glaucoma before starting this drug.

For people with an enlarged prostate: This drug can make it more difficult for you to urinate. If you have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate, ask your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you.

For people with liver problems: It isn’t known if this drug is safe or effective for people with liver problems. Having liver problems may keep your body from processing this drug properly. This puts you at risk of more side effects. If you have liver problems, talk with your doctor before taking this drug.

For people with kidney problems: It isn’t known if this drug is safe or effective for people with kidney problems. Having kidney problems may keep your body from clearing this drug properly. This puts you at risk of more side effects. If you have kidney problems, talk with your doctor before taking this drug.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: Meclizine is a category B pregnancy drug. That means two things:

1. Research in animals hasn’t shown a risk to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
2. There aren’t enough studies done in humans to show if the drug poses a risk to the fetus.

Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Animal studies don’t always predict the way humans would respond. Therefore, this drug should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed.

For women who are breastfeeding: It isn’t known if meclizine passes into breast milk. If it does, it may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

For children: This medication hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 12 years.

When to call your doctor

If you’ve been taking this drug and it isn’t helping to control your symptoms of vertigo, call your doctor. Taking this drug for a long period of time can cause problems with the system in your body that controls balance. Call your doctor if you still have nausea, vomiting, or dizziness after you stop taking the drug.

This dosage information is for meclizine oral tablet. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

• your age
• the condition being treated
• the severity of your condition
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose

Forms and strengths

Generic: Meclizine

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg

Brand: Antivert

• Form: Oral tablet
• Strengths: 12. 5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg

Dosage for vertigo

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years):

• Typical dosage: 25–100 mg per day, taken in divided doses.
• Dosage increases: Your doctor will decide the dose that’s right for you. They’ll increase your dose if needed depending on how you respond to and tolerate this drug.

Child dosage (ages 12–17 years):

• Typical dosage: 25–100 mg per day, taken in divided doses.
• Dosage increases: Your doctor will decide the dose that’s right for you. They’ll increase your dose if needed depending on how you respond to and tolerate this drug.

Child dosage (ages 0–11 years):

It hasn’t been confirmed that meclizine is safe and effective for use in people younger than 12 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older):

The liver and kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Meclizine oral tablet is used for short-term or long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug or don’t take it at all: Your dizziness or vertigo may not go away.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

• extreme drowsiness
• sedation
• seizures
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
• irregular heart rhythm
• decreased breathing

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222 or through their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: Your symptoms of dizziness or vertigo should improve.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes meclizine oral tablet for you.

General

• You can take meclizine with or without food.
• You cannot cut or crush the tablet.

Storage

• Store meclizine at room temperature. Keep it between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Keep it away from light.
• Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You shouldn’t need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

• Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
• Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication. You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
• Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.