Meclizine hydrochloride ( Antivert®, Bonine®, Dramamine ® Less Drowsy Formula) is an antihistamine medication used for motion sickness and vertigo. It is available over-the-counter (for motion sickness only) or with a prescription (for motion sickness or vertigo).
As with any medicine, meclizine can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well.
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Possible side effects of meclizine include, but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision.
(Click Meclizine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Meclizine 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 (with its "anticholinergic" activity).
General considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in tablet and chewable tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once or twice a day.
- You can take meclizine either with food or on an empty stomach. If the medication seems to bother your stomach, try taking it with a little food.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
Dosing Information
For the non-prescription versions, there is only one standard recommended dosage for this medication. For the prescription versions, the recommended dosage will vary, depending on the medical condition being treated.
As is always the case, do not adjust your meclizine dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Meclizine Drug Interactions
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose with meclizine can cause serious problems. If you happen to take too much of this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Meclizine Be Stored?
Meclizine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
For people who take this medication on a regular schedule, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of meclizine.
Prescription meclizine ( Antivert) tablets come in the following strengths:
- Meclizine 12.5 mg
- Meclizine 25 mg
- Meclizine 50 mg.
Non-prescription versions ( Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy Formula) come in 25 mg tablets and chewable tablets.
|
|
