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Brand Names: Bonamine
Common Name: meclizine
What is this drug used for?
Meclizine belongs to the class of medications called anti-emetics (medications that prevent nausea and vomiting). Meclizine is used to prevent and relieve nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance associated with motion sickness, radiation therapy, Ménière's disease, and other inner ear problems.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Is there any reason not to take this drug?
Meclizine should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to meclizine or any of the ingredients of the medication.
What about possible side effects?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
More common:
- drowsiness
Less common or rare:
- blurred or double vision
- constipation
- diarrhea
- difficult or painful urination
- dizziness
- dry mouth, nose, and throat
- fast heartbeat
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping
- skin rash
- upset stomach
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
What if I am taking other drugs?
There may be an interaction between meclizine and any of the following:
- alcohol
- barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
- benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam)
- MAO inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine)
- sedatives and tranquilizers (e.g., zopiclone, zaleplon)
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Other information:
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Meclizine may occasionally cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery if the medication affects you in this way.
Medical conditions: People who have glaucoma or an enlarged prostate should take meclizine only under the direction of their doctor.
Breast-feeding: Meclizine may reduce the quantity of breast milk produced by a small degree. It should be used while nursing only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Pregnancy: Studies on the use of meclizine by women experiencing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy have revealed no evidence of any birth defects caused by the medication. However, the use of meclizine by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant requires that the potential benefits be weighed against the potential risks. Speak to your doctor about this.
Children: Meclizine may cause hyperexcitability when used by children.
Special Instructions:
The recommended adult dose of meclizine ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg daily in divided doses depending on the condition being treated.
To treat motion sickness, a single dose of 25 mg to 50 mg usually prevents problems with nausea and vomiting for about 24 hours. The first dose should be taken at least one hour before travelling. The dose may be repeated every 24 hours while travelling. For inner ear disorders, the usual dose ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg daily in divided doses. For people receiving radiation treatment, the usual dose is 50 mg given 2 to 12 hours before radiation treatment. Children's dose is about one-half of the adult dose. The fruit-flavoured tablets can be chewed, swallowed whole, or dissolved in the mouth.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
© MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use: The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.