Meclizine tablets, capsules or chewable tablets
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What are meclizine tablets or capsules?
MECLIZINE (Antivert®, Bonine®) is an antihistamine. It helps to prevent nausea, vomiting, or dizziness associated with motion sickness, and to treat or prevent vertigo (extreme dizziness or a sensation that you or your surroundings are tilting or spinning around). Generic meclizine tablets and capsules are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma
• glaucoma
• prostate trouble
• stomach problems
• urinary problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to meclizine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take meclizine tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water (chewable tablets can be chewed or swallowed whole). If you are using meclizine to prevent motion sickness, take the dose at least 1 hour before travel. If meclizine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with meclizine?
• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• certain antibiotics given by injection
• digoxin
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
• medicines for pain
• medicines that relax skeletal muscle
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking meclizine?
If you are taking meclizine on a regular schedule, visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.
You may get dizzy, drowsy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how meclizine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness; avoid alcoholic drinks.
Meclizine may make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Visit your dentist regularly.
Meclizine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your ophthalmologist if the problem does not go away or is severe.
What side effects may I notice from taking meclizine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• fainting spells
• fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• blurred vision
• constipation
• difficulty passing urine
• difficulty sleeping
• drowsiness, dizziness
• dry mouth
• headache
• stomach upset
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
