Antivert vs. Bonine

Antivert (meclizine HCl) and Bonine (meclizine hydrochloride) are antihistamines and antiemetics (anti-nausea) used to prevent or treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness

Antivert may also be used to reduce lightheadedness, dizziness, and loss of balance (vertigo) caused by diseases that affect the inner ear.

Antivert is available by prescription and Bonine is available over-the-counter (OTC).

Side effects of Antivert and Bonine that are similar include blurred vision, dry mouth, and drowsiness.

Side effects of Antivert that are different from Bonine include constipation, dizziness, headache, vomiting, and tiredness.

Antivert may interact with alcohol, other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (such as sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety or seizures), cinacalcet, quinidine, terbinafine, and antidepressants.

Bonine may interact with other drugs.

Side effects of Antivert include:

• blurred vision,
• dry mouth,
• constipation,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• headache,
• vomiting, or
• tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur.

Common side effects of Bonine include:

• blurred vision,
• dry mouth,
• constipation,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• headache,
• vomiting, or
• tiredness.

Antivert (meclizine HCl) is an antihistamine used to prevent or treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness and may be used to reduce lightheadedness, dizziness, and loss of balance (vertigo) caused by diseases that affect the inner ear. Antivert is available as a generic drug, and should be taken by mouth with or without food, or as directed by your doctor.

Bonine is used to treat motion sickness and vertigo.

Antivert may interact with alcohol, other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (such as sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures), cinacalcet, quinidine, terbinafine, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Antivert (meclizine HCl) should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary. It is unknown if Antivert passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Bonine may interact with alcohol, other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (such as sleeping pills, narcotics, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures), cinacalcet, quinidine, terbinafine, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

For the control of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system, the recommended dose of Antivert is 25 to 100 mg daily, in divided dosage, depending upon clinical response. The initial dose of 25 to 50 mg of Antivert should be taken one hour prior to embarkation for protection against motion sickness. Thereafter, the dose may be repeated every 24 hours for the duration of the journey.

Bonine should be taken one hour before travel starts. Adults and children 12 years of age and over: take 1 to 2 tablets once daily or as directed by a doctor.