What is Meclizine Hydrochloride
MeclizineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMeclizine is a medication used to prevent nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness and certain conditions that affect the inner ear. It works by blocking the action of histamine in the body. It is sold under the brand name Antivert in the U.S. and comes in the form of oral tablets.
Meclizine Hydrochlorideis the brand name
Meclizine Hydrochloride Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Meclizine Hydrochloride
Meclizine
1981
189
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Meclizine, commonly known as Meclizine Hydrochloride, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses including Disease and Vertigo .Disease
Helps manage diseases affecting vestibular system
Vertigo
Helps manage Vertigo
Airsickness
Effectiveness
How Meclizine Hydrochloride Affects PatientsMeclizine helps reduce feelings of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. It is commonly used to treat motion sickness or other conditions that affect the balance system. It will start to work an hour after it is taken, and effects can last up to 24 hours. Meclizine may make you drowsy, as it has anticholinergic properties.
How Meclizine Hydrochloride works in the bodyVomiting and motion sickness are regulated by the brainstem. Different receptors in the brainstem, such as histamine, serotonin, enkephalins, substance P, and dopamine, are activated by different stimuli and cause the body to vomit. Meclizine helps prevent vomiting by blocking the histamine H1 receptors. This blocks signals from the vestibular nuclei and nucleus of the solitary tract to the brainstem and vomiting center. Meclizine may also reduce overactivity in the inner ear, which can cause motion sickness.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dosage of Meclizine Hydrochloride is contingent upon the diagnosed affliction, which includes Disease, Vertigo and Airsickness. The measure of dosage is delineated in the table below, as per the technique of application.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Vertigo
, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 0.25 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Cream; Kit; Liquid; Ointment; Tablet; Tablet, chewable; Tablet, film coated - Oral; Topical, Cream; Kit; Liquid; Ointment; Tablet; Tablet, chewable; Tablet, film coated, Kit - Oral, Liquid, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Film, soluble, Oral; Topical, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Film, soluble - Oral, Liquid - Oral, Kit
Airsickness
, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 0.25 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Cream; Kit; Liquid; Ointment; Tablet; Tablet, chewable; Tablet, film coated - Oral; Topical, Cream; Kit; Liquid; Ointment; Tablet; Tablet, chewable; Tablet, film coated, Kit - Oral, Liquid, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Film, soluble, Oral; Topical, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Film, soluble - Oral, Liquid - Oral, Kit
Disease
, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 0.25 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, chewable, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, chewable - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, extended release - Oral, Cream; Kit; Liquid; Ointment; Tablet; Tablet, chewable; Tablet, film coated - Oral; Topical, Cream; Kit; Liquid; Ointment; Tablet; Tablet, chewable; Tablet, film coated, Kit - Oral, Liquid, Tablet, multilayer, extended release, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Film, soluble, Oral; Topical, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Film, soluble - Oral, Liquid - Oral, Kit
Warnings
Meclizine Hydrochloride ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Meclizine may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Meclizine Hydrochloride Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amitriptyline
Major
The metabolism of Amitriptyline can be decreased when combined with Meclizine.
Amoxapine
Major
The metabolism of Amoxapine can be decreased when combined with Meclizine.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Meclizine.
Azelastine
Major
Meclizine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Clomipramine
Major
The metabolism of Clomipramine can be decreased when combined with Meclizine.
Meclizine Hydrochloride Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of meclizine in mice is 1600mg/kg when taken orally and 625mg/kg when given through an injection into the abdomen. For rats, the lowest toxic dose is 800mg/kg when taken orally. An overdose of meclizine can result in drowsiness, confusion, seizures, breathing problems, and low blood pressure, especially in the elderly. In children, symptoms may include hallucinations, insomnia, and anticholinergic effects. If someone has recently overdosed on meclizine, they should induce vomiting or use a gastric lavage to prevent further absorption of the drug.
Meclizine Hydrochloride Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Meclizine Hydrochloride?
10 active clinical trials are presently being conducted to examine the potential of Meclizine Hydrochloride as a therapy for Disease, Airsickness and Vertigo.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Vertigo
7 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Airsickness
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1
Meclizine Hydrochloride Reviews: What are patients saying about Meclizine Hydrochloride?
5Patient Review
2/24/2022 I've found this medication to be really effective in combating motion sickness, both on planes and more generally. I take a full dose an hour before takeoff with food, and it's helped me immensely.
5Patient Review
5/6/2017 I experience pain in my stomach whenever I take this pill, and have seen no other effects.
5Patient Review
9/1/2016 I don't get dizzy when I'm actively moving, just when I'm sitting or lying down. The Meclizine has been helping, but I remain perplexed as to why this is the case.
4.7Patient Review
8/22/2017 I was diagnosed with vertigo and given this medication. While it definitely lessened the severity of my symptoms, I'm still experiencing dizziness and spinning two months later.
4.7Patient Review
7/18/2021 For nausea and motion sickness, this is my go-to drug. It takes effect in about half an hour, and while it does make me sleepy, that's a small price to pay for feeling better.
4.3Patient Review
7/6/2021 Really helped with my vertigo that was a symptom of covid19. I did notice that I got tired more easily, but it was a small price to pay for the significant reduction in vertigo symptoms.
4Patient Review
7/10/2018 The chewable tablets have an unfortunate taste, but they do seem to help with the vertigo I've been experiencing. I'm hopeful that physical therapy will also provide some relief.
4Patient Review
4/24/2021 This helped me with my vertigo issue, but unfortunately the drowsiness it caused was really hard to deal with. I had to cut back my dosage and even then I woke up feeling groggy.
3.7Patient Review
7/26/2017 The first time I took this medication, I took 50mg as directed. However, I found that it made me quite sleepy. After the initial dose, I decreased to 25mg and had no more problems with drowsiness. Additionally, this medicine effectively prevented any seasickness for me during my sailing trip--even though there was a lot of boat movement!
3.7Patient Review
1/15/2018 It's helping with the vertigo-related dizziness, though I do get a bit unsteady on my feet after an hour or so.
3.3Patient Review
3/22/2022 Meclizine was effective in alleviating my vertigo symptoms, though only for a four-hour window. I also didn't experience the drowsiness that is commonly associated with this medication.
3Patient Review
7/24/2022 The meclizine makes me drowsy, but it does effectively relieve my dizziness. I would recommend only taking half a pill if you need to be up and about during the day.
3Patient Review
6/15/20163Patient Review
5/24/2020 I of course wanted this to work immediately, but unfortunately it didn't. It did help my vertigo a bit, though I could still feel unsteady.
1.3Patient Review
9/21/2016 Within two hours of taking this medication, my vertigo was gone after struggling with it for weeks. I do experience some drowsiness and have to take a short nap during lunch, but it's worth it to be vertigo-free.
1Patient Review
10/10/2022 I took the recommended dosage and ended up passing out early and sleeping through most of the next day. In addition, this treatment did nothing to help my vertigo. Overall, a huge disappointment.
1Patient Review
8/3/2016 I'm not sure I would recommend this drug, as it can cause the very same problem it's meant to treat.
Patient Q&A Section about meclizine hydrochloride
Is it OK to take Meclizine everyday?
"Meclizine is not recommended for older adults due to the potential for negative side effects, but it is still prescribed regularly." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Does Meclizine 25 mg make you sleepy?
"Meclizine may cause drowsiness which could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. There may also be other side effects." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
How often can I take Meclizine 25 mg for vertigo?
"The recommended dosage of meclizine to prevent and treat motion sickness is 25-50 mg an hour before travel, and may be repeated every 24 hours as needed." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are the most common side effects of Meclizine?
"Some possible side effects of this medication include vision problems, a dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, vomiting, or fatigue." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer