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What is meclizine
 Meclizine
is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally
occurring chemical histamine in your body.
Meclizine
is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated
with motion sickness. Meclizine may also be helpful in treating
vertigo.
Meclizine
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about meclizine
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Meclizine may cause
dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience
dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness while you are taking meclizine.
What you should find out before taking
meclizine
Before taking meclizine, tell your doctor if you have:
- asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another
lung disease;
- glaucoma;
- difficulty urinating
or an enlarged prostate gland; or
- severe or chronic
constipation.
You may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of
the conditions listed above.
Meclizine is in the
FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected
to harm an unborn baby. Do not take meclizine without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is
not known whether meclizine passes into breast milk. Do
not take meclizine without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Meclizine is not
approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.
How should take meclizine Take meclizine exactly as directed by your doctor
or follow the directions that accompany the package. If
you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
The Bonine chewable
tablets may be swallowed whole, crushed, or chewed.
For motion sickness, meclizine is usually taken about 1
hour before travel. The dose may be repeated once a day
after that for the duration of the journey if necessary.
For vertigo, doses may be taken several times a day.
Follow your doctor's instructions.
Store meclizine
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Since meclizine is usually taken as needed, missing
a dose is usually not a problem. If you are taking meclizine
on a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take the missed
dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your
next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose
of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a meclizine overdose include extreme drowsiness, seizures,
hallucinations, and decreased breathing.
Avoid while taking meclizine Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Meclizine may cause
dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience
dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness while you are taking meclizine.
Possible side effects of meclizine Stop taking meclizine and seek emergency medical
attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side
effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take meclizine
and talk to your doctor if you experience
- drowsiness
or dizziness;
- a dry mouth (may be relieved by sugarless
gum, ice chips, saliva substitutes, or other products if
bothersome);
- blurred vision;
- nervousness;
- insomnia; or
- constipation.
Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect meclizine Meclizine may increase the effects of other drugs
that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol,
antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain
relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell
your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter
medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine
without first talking to your doctor.
Meclizine may
affect skin allergy tests. Tell your doctor that you are
taking this medication if you need to undergo allergy testing.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with meclizine.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
