By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo

TheMediTary.Com

Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com

  • Home
  • News
  • Drugs
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Medical Answers
  • About Us
  • Contact
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo
Search Drugs
  • Drugs
    • Latest Drugs
    • Drugs A-Z
    • Medical Answers
  • News
    • FDA Alerts
    • Medical News
    • Health
    • Consumer Updates
    • Children's Health
  • More TheMediTary.Com
    • About Us
    • Contact
Follow US
Home > Drugs > Anticholinergic antiemetics > Meclizine > Meclizine: 7 things you should know
Anticholinergic antiemetics
https://themeditary.com/patient-tips/meclizine-5132.html

Meclizine: 7 things you should know

Drug Detail:Meclizine (Meclizine [ mek-li-zeen ])

Drug Class: Anticholinergic antiemetics

Contents
Uses Warnings Before Taking Dosage Side effects Interactions

1. How it works

  • Meclizine is used for several different conditions, such as vertigo, or nausea associated with motion sickness or radiation therapy.
  • Meclizine blocks H1-histamine receptors, reducing the effects of histamine such as vasodilation (opening up of the blood vessels) and increased permeability, narrowing of the airways, and stomach cramps. Meclizine also has an anticholinergic action (this means it blocks the effect of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, on muscarinic receptors). Both these effects reduce stimulation of the vomiting center (one of the areas of the brain thought to control vomiting) from the vestibular system (the structure within each ear that provides the brain with sensory information about motion, equilibrium, and spatial orientation). These actions are thought to contribute to the antiemetic effect of meclizine. Meclizine may also act directly on the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
  • Meclizine belongs to the class of drugs known as first-generation antihistamines. It may also be called an antiemetic.

2. Upsides

  • Used to treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.
  • May also be used to relieve symptoms of vertigo associated with diseases such as labyrinthitis and Meniere's disease.
  • May occasionally be given off-label (not an FDA-approved indication) for the treatment of nausea during pregnancy or as a result of radiation therapy.
  • Not as sedating as some other medicines used for motion sickness.
  • Generic meclizine is available.

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

  • May cause drowsiness or dizziness and affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcohol because it may enhance these side effects.
  • May also cause a dry mouth, a headache, tiredness, and rarely, blurred vision.
  • Not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.
  • May not be suitable for people with asthma, glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, or prostate gland enlargement. The elderly or frail may be particularly sensitive to meclizine's effects.
  • May interact with several other drugs including those that cause sedation or drugs that are also metabolized by CYP2D6 hepatic enzymes.
  • Rarely, allergic-type reactions to meclizine have been reported.

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

4. Tips

  • Take one hour before you travel if you are using meclizine to prevent motion sickness. The dosage of meclizine may be repeated every 24 hours for the duration of the journey.
  • Do not drive or operate machinery if meclizine makes you drowsy or impairs your judgment. If meclizine does make you drowsy, try taking it the night before you travel.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking meclizine as this can enhance its side effects.
  • Do not give meclizine to children under the age of 12.

5. Response and effectiveness

  • Meclizine works in about an hour when used for motion sickness. It should be taken at least an hour before traveling for maximal benefit. The effects of meclizine persist for 8 to 24 hours

6. Interactions

Medicines that interact with meclizine may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with meclizine. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Common medications that may interact with meclizine include:

  • Alzheimer's disease medications, such as donepezil or galantamine
  • anticholinergics, such as benztropine, scopolamine
  • antipsychotics, such as chlorpromazine, clozapine, fluphenazine, thioridazine, or risperidone
  • botulinum-toxin containing products
  • buprenorphine
  • medications that can induce drowsiness, such as sleeping pills, first-generation antihistamines, muscle relaxants, most antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications
  • nervous system depressants, such as barbiturates
  • pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone
  • thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics.

Avoid drinking alcohol because it may increase the side effects of meclizine.

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with meclizine. You should refer to the prescribing information for meclizine for a complete list of interactions.

Share this Article
Latest News
Medical News

Shingles vaccine may lower heart disease risk by up to 8 years

May 09, 2025
Obesity, unhealthy lifestyles may cause heart to age by 5–45 years
Aging: As little as 5 minutes of exercise may keep the brain healthy
Prostate cancer: Simple urine test may help with early detection
Cancer treatment side effects: Exercise may reduce pain, fatigue
Alzheimer's: Exercising in middle age may reduce beta-amyloid in brain...
Related Drugs
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec
Cerave Anti-Itch
Centrum Adult
Crovalimab
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe
Zepbound Pen
Mylanta One
Uretron Ds
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing
Lidotrode

Other drugs

Name Drug Class Updated
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec Drugs 03-Oct-2024
Cerave Anti-Itch Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Centrum Adult Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Crovalimab Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe Drugs 01-Oct-2024
Zepbound Pen Drugs 30-Sep-2024
Mylanta One Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Uretron Ds Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Lidotrode Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Libervant Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Moderna Covid-19 Drugs 25-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024

Categories

  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health

About US

Welcome to TheMediTary.Com

Our website provides reliable and up-to-date information on various medical topics. We empower individuals to take charge of their health by simplifying complex medical jargon and providing practical tips and advice. We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our users and welcome feedback to improve our services.

Website use data of FDA and other sources

DMCA.com Protection Status Truste Protection Status Trust Mark Protection Status
HONcode logo We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.
Quick Link
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • DMCA
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Sitemap
  • Care Notes
  • Health Guide
  • Professional
Drugs
  • New Drugs
  • Medical Answers
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Drug Classes
  • Drug Dosage
  • Pill Identifier
  • Consumer Infor
  • Side Effects
  • Inactive Ingredients
  • Pregnancy Warnings
  • Patient Tips
  • Treatments
News
  • Latest News
  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health
Find US
  • Medium
  • Google Site
  • Blogspot
  • API
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • Scoop.it
  • Substack
  • Wordpress
  • Wix
  • Behance

© 2025 TheMediTary.Com All rights reserved. Operated by