Meclizine (By Mouth)

Meclizine (MEK-li-zeen)

Used to treat motion sickness and dizziness. Belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines.

Brand Name(s):

Meclicot, Antivert, Antivert/50, Antivert/25, Simply Motion, Dramamine II, Motion Sickness Relief, Meni-D
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction meclizine or related medicines such as buclizine (Buclidan-S®) or cyclizine (Marezine®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. One dose should keep you from getting nauseated for 24 hours.
• Chew the chewable tablet for at least 2 minutes.
• If you are taking this medicine for motion sickness, it should be taken at least one hour before you travel.

If a dose is missed:

• If you are taking meclizine regularly, take your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from heat, direct light and moisture.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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 away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter sleeping pills, sedatives, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, antidepressants, tranquilizers or barbiturates (such as phenobarbital).
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking meclizine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Be careful when driving a car or operating heavy machines.
• Check with your doctor before taking meclizine if you have asthma, glaucoma, emphysema or lung disease, heart failure, an enlarged prostate gland, or trouble urinating.
• This medicine is not for children less than 12 years old.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Very fast or irregular heartbeat
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Rash or hives
• Severe confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Blurred vision (mild)

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.