Meclizine

Pronunciation: MEK-lih-zeen
Class: Anticholinergic

Trade Names

Antivert
- Tablets 12.5 mg
- Tablets 25 mg
- Tablets 50 mg

Bonine
- Chewable Tablets 25 mg

Dramamine Less Drowsy
- Tablets 25 mg

Pharmacology

Acts on CNS to decrease vestibular stimulation and depress labyrinthine activity.

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Pharmacokinetics

Elimination

The t _½ is 6 h.

Onset

Onset is 30 min to 1 h (oral).

Duration

Duration is 4 to 6 h (25 mg) and 12 to 24 h (30 mg).

Indications and Usage

Prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness of motion sickness; possibly effective treatment for vertigo of vestibular dysfunction origin.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to cyclizine; asthma; glaucoma; emphysema; chronic pulmonary disease; shortness of breath; difficulty breathing; urinary retention caused by enlarged prostate.

Dosage and Administration

PO 25 to 50 mg 1 h before travel; may repeat every 24 h during travel.

PO 25 to 100 mg/day in divided doses.

Storage/Stability

Store between 59° and 86°F.

Drug Interactions

Additive CNS effects. Avoid concomitant use with alcohol.

Laboratory Test Interactions

False-negative result in allergy skin testing.

Adverse Reactions

Cardiovascular

Hypotension; tachycardia; palpitations.

CNS

Drowsiness; excitation; nervousness; restlessness; insomnia; euphoria; vertigo; hallucinations.

Dermatologic

Rash; urticaria.

EENT

Dry nose and throat; visual disturbances; tinnitus.

GI

Nausea; vomiting; dry mouth; diarrhea; constipation; anorexia.

Genitourinary

Urinary frequency; urinary retention; difficulty urinating.

Precautions

Pregnancy

Category B .

Lactation

Undetermined.

Children

Safety and efficacy not established. Not recommended in children younger than 12 y of age.

Special Risk Patients

Ask a health care provider before using in patients with glaucoma, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, emphysema, and/or chronic bronchitis.

Overdosage

Symptoms

Hyperexcitability, drowsiness, hallucinations, convulsions.

Patient Information

• When given for motion sickness, inform patient that first dose should be taken 1 h before exposure to motion.
• Instruct patient to take sips of water frequently, suck on ice chips or sugarless hard candy or chew sugarless gum if dry mouth occurs.
• Explain that high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids may help to prevent constipation, which is common adverse reaction.
• Instruct patient to report the following symptoms to health care provider: sedation, dizziness, palpitations, difficulty urinating, or urinary retention.
• Instruct patient to notify health care provider if vomiting increases or becomes severe.
• Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
• Instruct patient to avoid intake of alcoholic beverages or other CNS depressants.

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