Meclizine is a medication primarily used to address issues related to balance and motion. It is an antihistamine, though its properties make it useful for managing dizziness and nausea. It works by affecting body processes that contribute to these sensations.
Meclizine’s Availability
Meclizine is widely available over-the-counter (OTC). It is sold under brand names like Bonine and Dramamine Less Drowsy Formula. Consumers can find it in the antiemetic or motion sickness sections of pharmacies and retail stores. It comes in forms such as tablets and chewable tablets.
Common Uses of Meclizine
Meclizine is frequently used to prevent and treat motion sickness. This condition often involves nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, which can arise from travel in cars, boats, or planes. The medication also relieves vertigo, a sensation where a person feels as if they or their surroundings are spinning. Vertigo can be caused by various factors, including inner ear problems.
Meclizine functions by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the brain. This action reduces signals sent to the brain’s vomiting center and the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance. This helps calm the disruptive sensations that lead to motion sickness and vertigo.
Important Considerations for Use
For motion sickness, adults and children 12 years and older take 25 to 50 milligrams (mg) of meclizine about one hour before travel. This dose can be repeated every 24 hours if symptoms persist or for continued prevention. When treating vertigo, the adult dosage ranges from 25 to 100 mg per day, taken as a single dose or divided every 6 to 12 hours.
Common side effects of meclizine include drowsiness, dry mouth, and headache. Some individuals may also experience tiredness, blurry vision, or thickening of bronchial secretions. Be aware that meclizine can cause decreased alertness or coordination. Therefore, avoid activities requiring full attention, such as driving or operating machinery, until you understand how the medication affects you.
Warnings and contraindications exist for meclizine use. Alcohol can intensify its sedative effects and should be avoided or limited. Meclizine can also interact with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as sedatives, tranquilizers, certain allergy medications, and narcotic pain relievers. Individuals with medical conditions like glaucoma, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or an enlarged prostate should consult a healthcare professional before use. Additionally, if severe side effects occur, symptoms persist, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional.