MECLIZINE (MEK li zeen) prevents and treats nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It works by helping your body maintain its sense of balance. It belongs to a group of medications called antihistamines.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Glaucoma
Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma
Problems urinating
Prostate disease
Stomach or intestine problems
An unusual or allergic reaction to meclizine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. If you are using this medication to prevent motion sickness, take the dose at least 1 hour before travel.
You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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CHAT NOWWhat may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medication may also interact with the following:
Alcohol
Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital, primidone
General anesthetics, such as halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
Medications that relax muscles for surgery
Opioid medications for pain
Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
Trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Confusion
Constipation
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed.
Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.