Generic name: meclizine [ MEK-li-zeen ]
Brand names: Antivert, Bonine, Bonine Max, Dramamine Less Drowsy, Dramamine Nausea Long Lasting, ... show all 14 brands Travel-Ease, Medivert, Dramamine II, D-Vert, Driminate II, Meclicot, Ru-Vert-M, Meni-D, VertiCalm
Dosage forms: oral tablet (12.5 mg; 25 mg; 50 mg), oral tablet, chewable (25 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class: Anticholinergic antiemetics

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Jan 28, 2025.

What is meclizine?

Meclizine is used in adults and children aged 12 years and older to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness.

Meclizine is also used in adults to treat symptoms of vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation) caused by disease that affects your inner ear.

Meclizine is most effective if taken before symptoms appear.

Meclizine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to meclizine: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common meclizine side effects may include:

• drowsiness;

• dry mouth;

• headache;

• vomiting; or

• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use meclizine only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to meclizine.

Before you take this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or urination problems.

Meclizine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of meclizine.

Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by meclizine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use meclizine if you are allergic to it.

Do not give meclizine to anyone younger than 12 years old without medical advice.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma;

• breathing problems such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;

• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;

• recently used alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take meclizine?

Take meclizine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

To prevent motion sickness, take meclizine about 1 hour before you travel or anticipate having motion sickness. You may take meclizine once every 24 hours while you are traveling, to further prevent motion sickness.

To treat vertigo, you may need to take meclizine several times daily. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Vertigo:

-25 to 100 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Dosing dependent upon clinical response.

Use: Management of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system.

Usual Adult Dose for Motion Sickness:

-Initial Dose: 25 to 50 mg orally 1 hour before travel
-Maintenance Dose: Repeat dose every 24 hours if needed

Use: Management of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Vertigo:

Age 12 years and older:
-25 to 100 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Dosing dependent upon clinical response.

Use: Management of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Motion Sickness:

Age 12 years and older:
-Initial Dose: 25 to 50 mg orally 1 hour before travel
-Maintenance Dose: Repeat dose every 24 hours if needed

Use: Management of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Meclizine is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking meclizine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how meclizine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

What other drugs will affect meclizine?

Using meclizine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may interact with meclizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use meclizine only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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