IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
MECLIZINE - ORAL
(MECK-lih-zeen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Antivert, D-vert, Dramamine II, Univert, Vertin
USES: Meclizine is an antihistamine that is used to prevent or treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It may also be used to reduce lightheadedness, dizziness, and loss of balance (vertigo) caused by diseases that affect the inner ear.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. To prevent motion sickness, take the first dose one hour before starting an activity such as travel. You may take another dose every 24 hours if needed. Chewable tablets must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.
Follow the directions on the label, or take as directed by your doctor. Do not take more medication than recommended. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
For control of vertigo and other conditions, take as directed by your doctor. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dry mouth, and tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Some patients, particularly children, may experience excitability rather than drowsiness.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes, decreased/painful urination, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking meclizine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), glaucoma, prostate problems, seizure disorder.
This drug may make you drowsy or cause blurred vision; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antispasmodics (e.g., atropine, belladonna alkaloids), drugs for Parkinson's disease (e.g., anticholinergics such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), scopolamine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness, such as certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, trazodone).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold medicines, allergy products) because they may contain antihistamines (e.g., chlorpheniramine) or other ingredients that could cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: mental/mood changes, extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness, seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage up to 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.
Herbal First Aid 
Updated & New
RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.