Meclizine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 23, 2025.

Applies to meclizine: oral tablet, oral tablet chewable.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the above while you or your child are using this medicine.

Common side effects of meclizine

Some side effects of meclizine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of meclizine

Along with its needed effects, meclizine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking meclizine:

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to meclizine: compounding powder, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable.

Nervous system adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Drowsiness, headache^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactoid reaction^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, vomiting^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Blurred vision^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Fatigue^[Ref]

Further information

Meclizine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer