Allina Health

Meclizine (MEK-li-zeen)

Used to treat motion sickness and dizziness.Belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines.

Brand Name(s):

Antivert/50, Antivert, Antivert/25, Motion-Time, Rite Aid Motion Sickness Relief, Travel Sickness, Meclicot, Motion Relief, Good Neighbor Motion Sickness Relief, Motion Sickness Relief, Medi-Meclizine

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

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• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088