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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):

Antivert/25, Antivert, Antivert/50, Rite Aid Motion Sickness Relief, UniVert, Meclicot, Motion Sickness Relief, Family Pharmacy Motion Sickness Relief, Dramamine, Medi-Meclizine, Good Neighbor Motion Sickness Relief, Brite-Life Motion Sickness Relief

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  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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)

Last Updated: 7/4/2008

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