Available in prescription and non-prescription forms, meclizine HCl (hydrochloride) is a medication approved for treating vertigo and motion sickness. Both forms of the drug are typically taken once or twice a day.
The prescription version of this medication (
Antivert®) comes in tablet form and is approved to treat motion sickness and vertigo. The non-prescription versions (
Bonine®, Dramamine
® Less Drowsy Formula) are available in both tablet and chewable tablet form, and are only used for treating motion sickness.
Meclizine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. These medicines work by blocking histamine receptors. Meclizine also probably works for motion sickness by blocking acetylcholine receptors (with its "anticholinergic" activity).
If you still have questions about meclizine after reading this article (or our other articles on this topic), talk to your healthcare provider. He or she knows your situation best.
(Click Meclizine for more information about meclizine HCl, including details on the medication's side effects, when and how to take your daily dosage, and what you should discuss with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.)
