Meclizine Interactions, Dosage, Uses & Side Effects
Meclizine is a drug that can be used to prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is available as both a generic drug and as the brand name drug Antivert. In the following 3-minute article, we discuss the uses, dosage, side effects, interactions, and mechanism of action of meclizine. Learn more about this antihistamine drug.
What Is Meclizine?
Meclizine is an antihistamine drug used to prevent and treat multiple conditions including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and motion sickness. It can also be used to help treat vertigo.
Meclizine Brand Name
Meclizine is available as the brand name drug Antivert. It is also available as a generic drug. The generic form of meclizine usually costs less than Antivert, but may not be as widely available for purchase.
Meclizine Mechanism Of Action
As an antihistamine drug, meclizine works by inhibiting the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that contributes to allergic reactions and motion sickness. Meclizine also contains central anticholinergic actions. The blocking mechanisms on these central receptors help meclizine work to prevent vertigo and motion sickness.
Meclizine Uses
Meclizine is used to prevent and control nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. It is an antihistamine that can also be used to prevent motion sickness and vertigo.
Dosage Of Meclizine
Your dosage for meclizine may depend on many factors, including the following:
- Your age
- Your weight
- Strength of dosage
- Severity of allergic reactions
Dosage For Nausea, Vomiting, And Dizziness Caused By Motion Sickness
Adults: At first, 25-50 milligrams taken 1 hour before travel. You may take an additional dose every 24 hours while traveling.
Children 12 And Older: Dosage must be recommended by a doctor.
Meclizine Dosage For Vertigo
Adults: 25-100 milligrams per day, taken in multiple doses.
Children: Dosage must be determined by a doctor.
Meclizine Side Effects
Meclizine does have some associated side effects. Some side effects are more serious and less common than others.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of meclizine include the following:
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting
- Tightness in the chest
- Hives
- Itching
- Skin rash
- Fast heartbeat
If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If you have stopped taking your medication and the effects are still present, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
If you are experiencing any of the following serious side effects of meclizine, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Call 911 if you think your symptoms are life threatening.
- Swelling of the throat
- Swelling of the tongue
- Hypotension
- Heart palpitations
Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, 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.
Does Meclizine Make You Sleepy?
Meclizine oral tablets have been known to cause drowsiness in some cases. You should not drive or perform any other activity that requires alertness while taking meclizine.
Meclizine Interactions
Meclizine should not be taken in conjunction with any of the following medications and types of medications:
- Drugs that treat insomnia, such as zaleplon, zolpidem, temazepam, triazolam, estazolam, or doxepin. Doing so can increase the risk for unwanted sedative side effects.
- Drugs that treat anxiety, such as clonazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, diazepam, paroxetine, or hydroxyzine. Doing so can increase the risk for unwanted sedative side effects.
- Drugs that treat allergies, such as hydroxyzine, clemastine, carbinoxamine, or diphenhydramine. Doing so can increase the risk for unwanted sedative side effects.
- Drugs that treat muscle spasms, such as baclofen, orphenadrine, and methocarbamol,
Meclizine Interactions, Uses, Dosage & Side Effects Summary
Meclizine is a drug that can be used to prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is available as both a generic drug and as the brand name drug Antivert.
