Antivert

Antivert

     * Generic Name: meclizine
     * Brand Name: Antivert


     * What is meclizine?
     * What are the possible side effects of meclizine?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       meclizine?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       meclizine?
     * How should I take meclizine?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking meclizine?
     * What other drugs will affect meclizine?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is meclizine?

   Meclizine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural
   chemical histamine in the body.

   Meclizine is used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and
   dizziness caused by motion sickness. Meclizine is also used to
   treat symptoms of vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation) caused
   by disease that affects your inner ear.

   Meclizine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of meclizine?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Common side effects may include:
     * headache;
     * vomiting;
     * dry mouth;
     * tired feeling; or
     * drowsiness.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about meclizine?

   You should not take this medication if you are allergic to meclizine.

   Before you take meclizine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney
   disease, asthma, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or
   urination problems.

   This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
   you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

   Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of meclizine.

   Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine,
   sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression
   or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by meclizine.

   Antivert Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Balance Disorders: Vertigo, Migraines, Motion Sickness and More

   Balance Disorders Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Vertigo Quiz
   Tinnitus: Why Are My Ears Ringing?

   Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking meclizine?

   You should not use meclizine if you are allergic to it.

   To make sure meclizine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
   any of these conditions:
     * liver disease;
     * kidney disease;
     * asthma;
     * glaucoma;
     * enlarged prostate; or
     * urination problems.

   FDA pregnancy category B. Meclizine is not expected to harm an unborn
   baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
   during treatment.

   It is not known whether meclizine passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
   baby.

   Meclizine should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I take meclizine?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

   To prevent motion sickness, take meclizine about 1 hour before you
   travel or engage in activity that causes motion sickness. You may take
   meclizine once every 24 hours while you are traveling, to further
   prevent motion sickness.

   To treat vertigo, you may need to take meclizine several times daily.
   Follow your doctor's instructions.

   This medication can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any
   doctor who treats you that you are using meclizine.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Antivert Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Balance Disorders: Vertigo, Migraines, Motion Sickness and More

   Balance Disorders Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Vertigo Quiz
   Tinnitus: Why Are My Ears Ringing?

   Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Since meclizine is sometimes taken only when needed, you may not be on
   a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the
   missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is
   almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to
   make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking meclizine?

   This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
   you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

   Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of meclizine.

What other drugs will affect meclizine?

   Taking meclizine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your
   breathing can increase these effects. Ask your doctor before taking
   meclizine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer,
   or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

   Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or
   stop using during your treatment with meclizine, especially:
     * cinacalcet;
     * quinidine;
     * terbinafine; or
     * the antidepressants bupropion, duloxetine, fluoxetine,
       paroxetine, or sertraline.

   Other drugs may interact with meclizine, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about meclizine.
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