Meclizine (By mouth)
MEK-li-zeen
Treats symptoms of motion sickness. Also treats vertigo.
Drug classes
Antiemetic, Antivertigo (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
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.
Meclizine is an antihistamine. It works to block the signals to the brain that cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Tablet, Chewable Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Chewable tablet: Chew the tablet for at least 2 minutes.
Motion sickness: Take this medicine at least 1 hour before travel if you are using it to prevent motion sickness. One dose of this medicine should prevent motion sickness for 24 hours.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine is usually taken only as needed. If you are taking meclizine regularly, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
When Not To Use
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to meclizine.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, enlarged prostate, glaucoma, heart failure, or trouble urinating.
This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Blurred vision
Drowsiness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Antivert, Antivert/25, Antivert/50, Dramamine II, Good Neighbor Motion Sickness Relief, Meclicot, Medi-Meclizine, Meni-D, Motion Relief, Motion Sickness Relief, Motion-Time, Rite Aid Motion Sickness Relief, Simply Motion, Travel Sickness
There may be other brand names for this medicine.