MECLIZINE

Brand & Generic Names

Antivert	D-Vert 15
Antivert/25	D-Vert 30
Antivert/50	Meni-D
Bonamine	Ru-Vert-M
Bonine

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? U.S.: No, for some Canada: Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antihistamine, antiemetic, antimotion sickness

Uses

Prevents motion sickness.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet or capsule--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet or open capsule and take with liquid or food.
Chewable tablet--May be chewed, swallowed whole or mixed with food.

When to take:
30 minutes to 1 hour before traveling.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Wait 4 hours for next dose.

What drug does:
Reduces sensitivity of nerve endings in inner ear, blocking messages to brain's vomiting center.

Time lapse before drug works:
30 to 60 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Drowsiness, confusion, incoordination, stupor, coma, weak pulse, shallow breathing, hallucinations.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Drowsiness.

Infrequent:

• Headache, diarrhea or constipation, fast heartbeat.
• Dry mouth, nose, throat.

Rare:

• Rash, hives.
• Restlessness, excitement, insomnia, blurred vision, frequent and difficult urination, hallucinations.
• Appetite loss, nausea.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to meclizine, buclizine or cyclizine.
• You have taken MAO inhibitors in the past 2 weeks.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have glaucoma.
• If you have prostate enlargement.
• If you have reacted badly to any antihistamine.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons, especially impaired urination from enlarged prostate gland.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies show fetal abnormalities. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Safety not established. Avoid if under age 12.

Prolonged use:
No problems expected.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't fly aircraft. Don't drive until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:
Some products contain tartrazine dye. Avoid, especially if you are allergic to aspirin.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Amphetamines*	May decrease drowsiness caused by
	meclizine.
Anticholinergics*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Antidepressants,	Increased effect of
tricyclic (TCA)*	both drugs.
Carteolol	Decreased antihistamine effect.
Cisapride	Decreased meclizine effect.
Clozapine	Toxic effect on the central nervous
	system.
Dronabinol	Increases meclizine effect.
Ethinamate	Dangerous increased effects of
	ethinamate. Avoid combining.
Fluoxetine	Increased depressant effects of
	both drugs.
Guanfacine	May increase depressant effects of
	either drug.
Leucovorin	High alcohol content of leucovorin
	may cause adverse effects.
MAO inhibitors*	Increased meclizine effect.
Methyprylon	Increased sedative effect, perhaps
	to dangerous level. Avoid.
Nabilone	Greater depression of central
	nervous system.
Narcotics*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Pain relievers*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Sedatives*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Sertraline	Increased depressive effects of
	both drugs.
Sleep inducers*	Increased effect of both drugs.
Sotalol	Increased antihistamine effect.
Tranquilizers*	Increased effect of both drugs.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Increased sedation. Avoid.
Caffeine drinks.	May decrease drowsiness.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Increased drowsiness, dry mouth.
Tobacco:	None expected.