Bonine
Generic Name: meclizine (MEH clih zeen)
Brand Names: Antivert, Bonine, Dramamine II, Driminate II
What is Bonine (meclizine)?
Meclizine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in
your body.
Meclizine is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.
Meclizine may also be helpful in treating vertigo.
Meclizine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Bonine (meclizine)?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Meclizine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness,
or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking
meclizine.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Bonine (meclizine)?
Before taking meclizine, tell your doctor if you have
-
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another lung disease;
-
glaucoma;
-
difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate gland; or
-
severe or chronic constipation.
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Meclizine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm
an unborn baby. Do not take meclizine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether meclizine passes into breast milk. Do not take meclizine without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Meclizine is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.
How should I take Bonine (meclizine)?
Take meclizine exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions that accompany the
package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
The Bonine chewable tablets may be swallowed whole, crushed, or chewed.
For motion sickness, meclizine is usually taken about 1 hour before travel. The dose may be
repeated once a day after that for the duration of the journey if necessary.
For vertigo, doses may be taken several times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Store meclizine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since meclizine is usually taken as needed, missing a dose is usually not a problem. If you are
taking meclizine on a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you
remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your
next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a meclizine overdose include extreme drowsiness, seizures, hallucinations, and
decreased breathing.
What should I avoid while taking Bonine (meclizine)?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Meclizine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness,
or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking
meclizine.
Bonine (meclizine) side effects
Stop taking meclizine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take meclizine and talk
to your doctor if you experience
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drowsiness or dizziness;
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a dry mouth (may be relieved by sugarless gum, ice chips,
saliva substitutes, or other products if bothersome);
-
blurred vision;
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nervousness;
-
insomnia; or
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constipation.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Bonine (meclizine)?
Meclizine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines
that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Meclizine may affect skin allergy tests. Tell your doctor that you are taking this medication if you
need to undergo allergy testing.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with meclizine. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has more information about meclizine written for health professionals that you
may read.
What does my medication look like?
Meclizine is available over the counter under the brand name Bonine and with a prescription
under the brand name Antivert. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your
pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
-
Antivert 12.5 mg--elliptical, blue tablets
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Antivert/25 25 mg--elliptical, yellow tablets
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Antivert/50 50 mg--elliptical, blue, scored tablets
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is
accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be
time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the
United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners
in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for,
the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare
administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover
all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.07. Revision Date: 8/30/04 12:09:09 PM.
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