Meclizine Description

Generic Name : MECLIZINE

Pronunciation : (mek' li zeen)

Trade Name(s) : Diligan, Pregnidoxin

Why it is prescribed: Meclizine is an antihistamine used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is most effective if taken before symptoms appear. It is also used to prevent dizziness caused by some ear conditions such as Meniere's disease. It is not used to treat allergies.

When it is to be taken: For motion sickness, meclizine should be taken one hour before you start to travel. Doses may be taken every 24 hours if needed. For dizziness caused by an ear condition, follow your doctor's instructions.

How it should be taken: Meclizine comes in the form of regular and chewable tablets and capsules. The chewable tablets may be chewed or swallowed whole. Follow the instructions on the label carefully. Take meclizine exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than as instructed.

Special Instruction :
1. Meclizine makes some people drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
2. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, and take it remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take more than one dose at a time.

Side Effects :
1. Drowsiness, fatigue. Avoid alcohol, which increases the drowsiness caused by the drug.
2. Dry mouth. Drink fluids, chew sugarless gum, or suck sugarless hard candies or lozenges.
3. Blurred vision. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially medication for colds or allergies, medicine to help you sleep, seizure medication, narcotics, barbiturates, sedatives, tranquilizers, and pain medicine. These drugs can increase the drowsiness caused by meclizine.
2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking meclizine. Alcohol increases the drowsiness caused by this drug.
3. Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, prostate problems, urinary tract blockage, or asthma, this medication should not be taken by pregnant women.
4. Women who become pregnant should stop taking it and notify their doctors immediately.
5. Do not give meclizine to a child under 12 years of age without a doctor's permission.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.