Author: Alex Thompson
Meclizine Oral Route Description and Brand Names
Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective. Meclizine is an antihistamine that is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It may also be used to reduce dizziness and loss of balance (vertigo) caused by inner ear problems. Meclizine is used to prevent and control nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is also used for vertigo (dizziness or lightheadedness) caused by ear problems. The liver and kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to.
This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Meclizine is also used in adults to treat symptoms of vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation) caused by disease that affects your inner ear. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead of drowsiness. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.
What happens if I miss a dose?
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you are using this medicine to prevent motion sickness, take the dose at least 1 hour before travel.
- Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time.
- Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
- Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children.
- In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.
There is limited data on the protein binding profile of meclizine. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that’s changing medicine. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.
Meclizine HCL – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how meclizine will affect you. Do not give meclizine to anyone younger than 12 years old without medical advice. You should not use meclizine if you are allergic to it.
Before taking meclizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. To prevent motion sickness, take the first dose one hour before starting activity such as travel. 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.
Dosage for vertigo
Meclizine is an antihistamine that prevents symptoms of motion sickness like nausea, vomiting or dizziness. Vertigo is a condition that causes extreme dizziness. Common brand names of this medication are Antivert®, Dramamine®, Medivert® and Meni-D®. Other drugs may interact with meclizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as allergy skin test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. 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. Meclizine may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other drugs.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. A prescription for this medication is refillable. You shouldn’t need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled.