Author: James Anderson
Meclizine Oral Route Description and Brand Names
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
To prevent motion sickness, take the first dose one hour before starting activity such as travel. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with meclizine. You should refer to the prescribing information for meclizine for a complete list of interactions. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication. You should not use meclizine if you are allergic to it. Meclizine is most effective if taken before symptoms appear. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.
Other uses for this medicine
Vertigo is a condition that causes extreme dizziness. Common brand names of this medication are Antivert®, Dramamine®, Medivert® and Meni-D®. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
- Before you take this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or urination problems.
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- This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
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Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects. To treat vertigo, you may need to take meclizine several times daily. Do not give meclizine to anyone younger than 12 years old without medical advice. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
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If it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include Micromedex (updated 3 Mar 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 17 Mar 2024), ASHP (updated 10 Mar 2024) and others. This list may not describe all possible interactions.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Meclizine is an antihistamine that is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It may also be used to reduce dizziness and loss of balance (vertigo) caused by inner ear problems. This list may not describe all possible side effects. Meclizine is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is most effective if taken before symptoms appear.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Medical Professionals
Meclizine comes as a regular and chewable tablet and a capsule. For motion sickness, meclizine should be taken 1 hour before you start to travel. For dizziness caused by an ear condition, follow your doctor’s directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.
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Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that’s changing medicine. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies. Before taking meclizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Avoid drinking alcohol because it may increase the side effects of meclizine. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Meclizine is an antihistamine that prevents symptoms of motion sickness like nausea, vomiting or dizziness.