Class
- Antiemetic, vestibular suppressant, antihistamine
Meclizine
Commonly Prescribed for
(FDA approved in bold)
- Motion sickness
- Vertigo
Meclizine
How the Drug Works
- Antihistamine and anticholinergic drug
Meclizine
How Long Until It Works
- 30 minutes
Meclizine
If It Works
- Continue to use as needed, especially in short-term disorders, such as viral labyrinthitis
Meclizine
If It Doesn’t Work
- Treat the underlying disorder with appropriate agents for that disorder
- Benzodiazepines (valium) may be effective for vertigo; antiemetics, such as promethazine, help also treat motion sickness
Meclizine
Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response or Treatment-Resistance
- Benzodiazepines (valium) may be effective for vertigo
- Meniere’s disease: diuretics, antiemetics, and low-salt diet
- Vestibular rehabilitation may be helpful
Meclizine
Tests
- None
Adverse Effects (AEs)
Meclizine
How Drug Causes AEs
- Antihistamine and anticholinergic actions
Meclizine
Notable AEs
- Dry mouth, sedation are most common
- Paradoxical excitation (nervousness, agitation), blurred vision, rash, tinnitus
- Hypotension, tachycardia
Meclizine
Life-Threatening or Dangerous AEs
- May precipitate narrow-angle glaucoma
- Risk of heat stroke, especially in elderly patients
- Can precipitate tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypotension
- May cause urinary retention in patients with prostate hypertrophy
Meclizine
Weight Gain
- Common
Meclizine
Sedation
- Common
