Drug Notes

Meclizine (By mouth)

Meclizine (MEK-li-zeen)

Treats symptoms of motion sickness. Also treats vertigo.

Brand Name(s):

Antivert, Antivert/25, Good Neighbor Motion Sickness Relief, Good Sense Motion Sickness II, Medi-Meclizine, Motion Relief, Motion Sickness Relief, Motion-Time, Rite Aid Motion Sickness Relief

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet, Chewable Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Chewable tablet: Chew the tablet for at least 2 minutes.
• Motion sickness: Take this medicine at least 1 hour before travel if you are using it to prevent motion sickness. One dose of this medicine should prevent motion sickness for 24 hours.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine is usually taken only as needed. If you are taking meclizine regularly, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, enlarged prostate, glaucoma, heart failure, or trouble urinating.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017