Meclizine
Pronouncation: (MEK-lih-zeen)
Class: Anticholinergic
Trade Names:
Antivert
- Tablets 12.5 mg
- Tablets 25 mg
- Tablets 50 mg
Trade Names:
Antrizine
- Tablets 12.5 mg
Trade Names:
Dramamine Less Drowsy
- Tablets 25 mg
Trade Names:
Meni-D
- Capsules 25 mg
Bonamine (Canada)
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacology
Acts on CNS to decrease vestibular stimulation and depress labyrinthine activity.
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
Motion Sickness
Adults
PO 25 to 50 mg 1 h before travel; may repeat every 24 h during travel.
Vertigo
Adults
PO 25 to 100 mg/day in divided doses.
Storage/Stability
Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F).
Drug Interactions
Alcohol, CNS depressants
Additive CNS effects.
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 yr of age.
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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