Uses

What is meclizine used for?

Meclizine is commonly used to prevent or treat motion sickness and treat vertigo

Meclizine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does meclizine work (mechanism of action)?

Meclizine may work by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine.

How is meclizine supplied (dosage forms)?

Meclizine is available as Antivert and generic meclizine in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 25 mg chewable tablets
  • 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg oral tablets

How should I store meclizine?

Meclizine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly closed container. Protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of meclizine?

The most common side effects of meclizine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness or tiredness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Vomiting 

There may be other side effects of meclizine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of meclizine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of meclizine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Meclizine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking meclizine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Meclizine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how meclizine affects you.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use meclizine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take meclizine.

  • Meclizine
  • Antivert
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific meclizine products they stock.

What should I know about meclizine before using it?

If meclizine is prescribed to you by a healthcare provider, take it as prescribed. If you take over-the-counter (OTC) meclizine, follow the instructions for the product you are taking. 

Do not share meclizine that was prescribed for you by a healthcare provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep meclizine out of the reach of children.

Meclizine chewable tablets should be chewed or crushed completely before you swallow them. 

Some meclizine tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or split. They should be swallowed whole. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to take it.

People aged 65 years or older can be at greater risk for some side effects of meclizine. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using meclizine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if meclizine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Meclizine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking meclizine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Phenylketonuria (PKU). Some meclizine chewable tablets may contain phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for people with PKU. Tell your healthcare provider and your pharmacist if you have PKU.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how meclizine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if meclizine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take meclizine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does meclizine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between meclizine and foods or drinks.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking meclizine. The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking meclizine.

Does meclizine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety

before taking meclizine.

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of meclizine. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with meclizine. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Meclizine (Antivert) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much meclizine?

If you or someone else has taken too much meclizine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of meclizine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

 

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