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Meclizine for Vertigo
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Meclizine hydrochloride (Antivert®, Bonine®, Dramamine® Less Drowsy Formula) is a medication that comes in different forms and is approved for several uses. The over-the-counter (otc) versions are approved for the treatment of motion sickness. Healthcare providers may recommend the prescription version of the medicine for vertigo or motion sickness.
This medication belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines, meaning that it blocks histamine receptors. However, it probably works for motion sickness by blocking acetylcholine receptors (through its "anticholinergic" activity). Meclizine is different from many other oral motion sickness and vertigo medications in that it lasts longer and generally causes less drowsiness.
(Click What Is Meclizine Used for? for more information on how this product works for vertigo, to find out if meclizine is used for "off-label" purposes, and to learn about the use of this drug in children.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD