Drug Name

Meclizine

Drug Uses

Meclizine is prescribed for the management of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.

Meclizine may also be prescribed for the management of vertigo (a spinning sensation or a feeling that the ground is tilted) due to diseases affecting the vestibular system (the bony labyrinth of the ear, which contains the sensors that control your balance).

How to use

Use Meclizine as directed by your doctor.

• For prevention of motion sickness, take Meclizine at least 1 hour before activity or travel.
• Take Meclizine by mouth with or without food.
• Use Meclizine exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor. If you are taking Meclizine without a prescription, follow any warnings and precautions on the label.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Meclizine is an anticholinergic. It works by blocking a chemical messenger in the brain, which helps to reduce or prevent vomiting.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Meclizine and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Meclizine between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Meclizine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Meclizine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Meclizine;
• you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB).

• Meclizine may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Meclizine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (e.g., sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Meclizine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• This product may contain tartrazine dye. This may cause an allergic reaction in some patients. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to tartrazine, ask your pharmacist if your product has tartrazine in it.
• Meclizine should not be used in children younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Meclizine while you are pregnant. It is not known if Meclizine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Meclizine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• drowsiness; dry mouth.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

More Information

If you have any questions about Meclizine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Meclizine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.