Meclizine is used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, vertigo (balance disorder), and dizziness.

Common use

Meclizine belongs to the class of medications called anti-emetics (medications that prevent nausea and vomiting). Meclizine is used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness, radiation therapy, Ménière's disease. Meclizine possibly is effective in the treatment of vertigo (balance disorder) caused by diseases of the body's balance (vestibular) system or by certain inner ear problems.



Dosage and direction

The recommended adult dose of meclizine depending on the condition being treated. To prevent problems with nausea and vomiting you should take a single dose of 25 mg to 50 mg about 1 hour before and its action usually continue for about 24 hours. The first dose should be taken at least one hour before travelling. The dose may be repeated every 24 hours while travelling to further prevent motion sickness. The dosing should not exceed 2 tablets in 24 hours. For inner ear disorders, the usual dose ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg daily in divided doses. For people receiving radiation treatment, the usual dose is 50 mg given 2 to 12 hours before radiation treatment. Vertigo is treated with 25-100 mg daily in divided doses. Children's dose is about one-half of the adult dose. Take meclizine with a full glass of water. The fruit-flavoured tablets can be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved in the mouth. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.



Precautions

Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. Usage of Meclizine is not recommended in children under 12 years of age. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary. Meclizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions.



Contraindications

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to meclizine, if you have asthma or other breathing disorder, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or problems with urination.



Possible side effects

Meclizine can cause drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, blurred vision, rash constipation, diarrhea and urinary retention. Meclizine also has been associated with hypotension (low blood pressure) and heart palpitations, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.



Drug interactions

Taking of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers with Meclizine can increase drowsiness. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



Missed dose

If you take Meclizine only when it needs you may not have dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.



Overdose

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Storage

Store Meclizine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.