Meclizine: what it is for and how to take it

Meclizine is a medicine indicated for the prevention or treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by labyrinthitis, Meniére’s disease, travel, radiotherapy or pregnancy, for example, as it acts on the vomiting center in the brain, relieving nausea and vomiting.

This medicine can be found in the form of simple or chewable tablets containing 25 mg or 50 mg of meclizine, also called meclozine or meclozine dihydrochloride, with the trade name Meclin or Meclin Jet.

Meclizine should be used with the advice of a general practitioner, otorhinolaryngologist, oncologist or obstetrician, with doses and for the duration of treatment recommended by the doctor, according to the condition to be treated.

What is it for

Meclizine is indicated for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by:

• Labyrinthitis;
• Meniere’s disease;
• Nausea caused by the sensation of movement, as in the case of travel;
• Radiotherapy.

Additionally, meclizine can also be used to treat nausea or vomiting during pregnancy.

The use of meclizine must be carried out under medical advice, which may also indicate other medications for nausea and vomiting, which varies with symptoms and response to treatment. See the full list of remedies for nausea and vomiting.

How it works

Meclizine is an antihistamine with antiemetic and antivertigo properties, which works by blocking the effects of histamine on the vomiting center in the brain, relieving nausea and vomiting.

Furthermore, this medicine reduces the excitability of the labyrinth in the inner ear and blocks nerve transmission from the vestibular system in the ear to the brain, preventing or treating vertigo caused by labyrinthitis and Meniére’s disease, for example.

How to take and dosage

Meclizine must be used orally, and the simple tablet must be taken with a glass of water, without breaking or chewing the tablet.

The meclizine chewable tablet must be chewed and does not require water to take.

The dosage of meclizine for the prevention or treatment of nausea and vomiting for adults is:

• Motion sickness (motion sickness): 25 mg to 50 mg of meclizine, 1 hour before travel. This dose can be repeated every 24 hours if necessary;
• Labyrinthitis or Meniere’s disease: 25 mg to 100 mg of meclizine, per day, in divided doses, as advised by the otorhinolaryngologist;
• Radiotherapy: 50 mg of meclizine, approximately 2 to 12 hours before undergoing radiotherapy, as advised by the oncologist.

In the case of treating nausea or vomiting during pregnancy, the normally recommended dose is 25 mg to 100 mg per day, in divided doses, according to the need and guidance from the obstetrician. See other remedies for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of meclizine are drowsiness, fatigue, headache, dry mouth, dry nose and throat, or blurred vision.

In addition, meclizine can also cause serious allergic reactions with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face, or hives. In these cases, you should go to the emergency room immediately. Know how to identify the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Who shouldn’t use

Meclizine should not be used by children under 12 years of age or by people who are allergic to any of the components of the formula or to the tartrazine dye present in the tablets, especially in people who are allergic to acetylsalicylic acid.

Furthermore, meclizine should be used with caution and only with medical indication in people who have angle-closure glaucoma, intestinal or urinary system obstruction, symptomatic prostate hyperplasia.

Meclizine should also be used with caution in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, meclizine should only be used if indicated by the doctor, after evaluating the benefits of the treatment for the woman and potential risks for the baby.