Meclizine: An Essential Guide

Summary or Key Points

Meclizine is a medication primarily used to manage symptoms of motion sickness and vertigo. It is effective in reducing nausea, vomiting, and feelings of dizziness or unsteadiness. Like all medications, Meclizine should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. For more information or questions about your treatment, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our healthcare providers via telemedicine.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Antivert (Meclizine)

In medicine, each drug has a brand name and a generic name. The generic name, written here in parentheses, is the standard name for the medication regardless of the manufacturer. It usually describes the drug’s chemical structure or how it works in the body.

Pharmacologic Category

Meclizine is classified as an antihistamine, in the same category as medications such as Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Dosing

Always consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your medication dose. You can reach out to our telemedicine providers for guidance. For the following conditions, Meclizine is typically prescribed as follows:

• Motion Sickness: 25-50 mg taken orally 1 hour prior to travel, may be repeated every 24 hours as needed.
• Vertigo: 25-100 mg per day divided into 1-2 doses.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Meclizine is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Tablets, oral: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg
• Chewable tablets: 25 mg

Administration Instructions

Meclizine can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help reduce the chances of stomach upset. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet; swallow it whole. For optimal effect, take this medication as directed by your healthcare provider. If you have any questions, please reach out to one of our telemedicine professionals for assistance.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Like all medications, Meclizine may cause side effects. Here are some of the potential side effects and their relative frequency:

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Drowsiness, dry mouth.
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Blurred vision, constipation, or headache.
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Allergic reactions, such as rash or hives.

Always consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team if you experience any adverse reactions while taking Meclizine.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the potential harm that it could cause to the patient. Meclizine is generally safe for most people, but it’s contraindicated in the following situations:

• Allergy to meclizine or any components of the formulation: This could lead to serious allergic reactions.
• Severe liver or kidney disease: These conditions may affect how the body metabolizes and excretes the drug, potentially leading to increased side effects.

If any of these apply to you, please consult with our telemedicine healthcare providers.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Meclizine may interact with the following medications:

• Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants such as Lorazepam (Ativan) and Diazepam (Valium) may enhance the sedative effects of meclizine.

Meclizine in Pregnancy

Meclizine is classified as pregnancy category B. This means that studies in animals have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Always consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Meclizine while Breastfeeding

It’s unclear whether meclizine passes into breast milk. While no adverse effects have been reported in infants, caution is recommended. Consult with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine team for advice.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Meclizine 25 mg, without insurance and using a GoodRx coupon, is around $10 to $15.

Possible Alternatives

There may be other treatments or lifestyle changes that can help with the conditions that Meclizine treats. However, you should always discuss any treatment changes with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine professionals:

• Motion Sickness: Non-drug alternatives include focusing on a fixed point in the distance, getting fresh air, and staying still. Other medications include Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).
• Vertigo: Physical therapy techniques like vestibular rehabilitation can be helpful. Other medications include Betahistine (Serc).

Recent Updates on Meclizine Research

Recent studies indicate that meclizine may have additional applications in the field of oncology, with some preclinical studies suggesting it could inhibit cancer cell growth. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand how this medication can be used in cancer treatment. Always consult with our telemedicine professionals for the most up-to-date and personalized advice.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.