Meclizine
Introduction To Meclizine
Meclizine is used to treat nausea, vomiting due to motion sickness. It is also used to treat vertigo (dizziness) caused by a disease that affects your inner ear. It works by blocking the action of a certain chemical in the brain that controls nausea, vomiting, and balance.
Meclizine should be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time every day to get the most benefit. If you are travelling, then take it one hour before travelling. It should be taken as your doctor's advice. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you. In case, you have missed any doses than it is better to take the next dose as soon as you remember it. However, you should never take a double dose.
Sleepiness is the most common side effect of this medicine. Avoid driving or attention-seeking activity. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. In some cases, it may cause dryness of mouth, so it is advised to drink more water, always carry sugar candy or maintain oral hygiene.
Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have glaucoma or have any gastro related issues or have high blood pressure. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Generally, it is advised to avoid alcohol while on treatment.
Uses of Meclizine
- Motion sickness
- Vertigo
Benefits of Meclizine
Motion sickness
Motion sickness is a condition caused due to motion during travel. You may
experience dizziness, nausea or vomiting as a result of this condition.
Meclizine helps treat these symptoms effectively. Take it as prescribed by
the doctor to get maximum benefit.
Vertigo
Vertigo means a spinning sensation or dizziness that is triggered due to
frequent movement. It can happen due to many reasons but it may also occur
without any underlying disease. Meclizine helps treat this sensation
effectively. If you feel dizzy while getting up from the bed, sit for a while
and then rise slowly to avoid having an accidental fall.
Side effects of Meclizine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Vominos
- Sleepiness
How to use Meclizine
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Meclizine may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Meclizine works
Meclizine is an antihistaminic medication. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical in the brain that controls nausea, vomiting, and balance. It also makes you sleepy.
Quick tips
- If you are using Meclizine for motion sickness, it should be taken an hour before your travel.
- Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Meclizine, as it may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Meclizine if I’m pregnant?
Meclizine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Meclizine if I’m breastfeeding?
Meclizine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. Larger doses or prolonged use of Meclizine may cause sleepiness and other effects in the baby
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Meclizine safe?
Meclizine may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Meclizine?
Meclizine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Meclizine if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Meclizine in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Meclizine if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Meclizine in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Meclizine a narcotic, addictive, antibiotic, or anticholinergic drug?
Meclizine is not a narcotic, addictive, or antibiotic drug. It is an antihistaminic drug with less anticholinergic activity
Q. Is Meclizine available over the counter (OTC)?
No, Meclizine is not available without a prescription
Q. Can I take Meclizine for nausea, hangover, anxiety, hives, vertigo; morning and motion sickness?
Meclizine cannot used to treat hangover, anxiety, hives or morning sickness. It is used to treat vertigo and motion sickness; symptoms include urge to vomit (nausea), vomiting, and dizziness. Please consult your doctor for your medical condition before taking the drug Q. Can I take Meclizine with Xanax (alprazolam), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Percocet (acetaminophen and oxycodone), or Zofran (ondansetron)? Meclizine can be taken with Zofran. Its use should be avoided when you are already taking Allegra, Percocet, Xanax, or Zyrtec
Q. Can I take Meclizine with amoxicillin, tramadol, lorazepam, phentermine, or ibuprofen?
Meclizine may show drug interaction with tramadol. It is not reported to interact with amoxicillin, lorazepam, phentermine, or ibuprofen. Please follow the advice of the doctor regarding their simultaneous use
Q. Does Meclizine cause sleepiness, constipation, weight gain, and raise blood sugar or blood pressure?
Meclizine may cause sleepiness and constipation, but it is not known to cause weight gain and raise blood sugar or blood pressure. Please consult your doctor before taking the drug
Q. Is Meclizine safe?
Meclizine is relatively safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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