Bonine is a motion sickness tablet that can provide 24-hour relief. It contains meclizine, a first-generation antihistamine that has anti-nausea and anti-vertigo effects.[1] This helps prevent and relieve motion sickness when traveling by car, boat or plane.
Motion sickness is triggered by conflicting signals between your eyes and ears. This confuses your brain, leading to dizziness and nausea. Taking Bonine an hour before your journey can help alleviate motion sickness, making your journey more comfortable.
How does Bonine work?
Meclizine, the active ingredient in Bonine, is a first-generation antihistamine that also has anticholinergic actions. Histamine and acetylcholine are neurotransmitters that play a significant role in motion sickness, with high levels being associated with nausea and dizziness.
Meclizine helps relieve motion sickness symptoms by blocking histamine and acetylcholine receptors.[1]
What doses of Bonine are there?
Bonine is available in two doses: 25 mg and 50 mg. While the first dose is available under the name Bonine, the higher dose is sold under Bonine Max The usual dose is one 25 mg tablet once a day. You can take up to a maximum of 50 mg once a day. Your doctor will recommend which dose you should use.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on March 20, 2025. Next review due on March 20, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to take Bonine
To take Bonine:
Crush or chew the tablet completely when taking it.Â
Take it an hour before traveling to give it enough time to start working.Â
Don’t swallow the tablet whole as this can delay its effects.
As Bonine can cause drowsiness, you should avoid driving or operating machinery.Â
How long does Bonine take to work?
Bonine begins to work within one hour and can provide relief for up to 24 hours when taken correctly. Meclizine has a half-life of five to six hours, so the effects may decrease after this time and should wear off completely by 24 hours.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on March 20, 2025. Next review due on March 20, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Bonine isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our doctor know, and they can talk with you about it.
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Bonine: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Is Bonine similar to any other medicine?
Answer:
Bonine is the branded version of the generic medicine called Meclizine. Both contain the same active ingredient, so you shouldn't notice any difference in effectiveness between the two. But there are a few key differences.
Dosage: Bonine comes as a 25 mg or 50 mg tablet, while generic Meclizine comes in 12.5 mg and 25 mg tablets.
Price: Generic medications tend to be cheaper than the branded versions.
Non-active ingredients: The ‘excipient (non-active) ingredients, like the coating of the tablets, may differ, but this shouldn’t change the effectiveness.
Prescription status: Bonine is available over the counter, whereas generic Meclizine requires a prescription.
How does Bonine compare with Dramamine?
Answer:
Bonine and Dramamine are two treatments for motion sickness. Although they work similarly, there are a few key differences between them:
Activeingredient: Bonine contains meclizine, while Dramamine contains dimenhydrinate. Although they have different active ingredients, both work similarly to prevent motion sickness.
Time to take effect: Bonine takes about an hour to start working, whereas Dramamine can take effect within 30 minutes.
Duration of effects: Bonine can provide 24-hour relief, while Dramamine typically lasts 4-8 hours.
Effectiveness - Dramamine is considered more effective than Bonine at relieving motion sickness.[1]
Both treatments have advantages and drawbacks, so the choice between them depends on your preferences.
Will I get side effects using Bonine?
Answer:
Like all medicine, there's a risk of experiencing side effects when taking Bonine. Common side effects include:
Drowsiness
Tiredness
Headaches
The side effects should subside as your body adjusts to it. If the side effects worsen or you have any concerns, contact our doctors online.
Can I drink alcohol when taking Bonine?
Answer:
You should avoid drinking alcohol when taking Bonine. Bonine is a first-generation antihistamine, which is known for its sedative effects. Taking alcohol while on Bonine can increase drowsiness and worsen side effects.
Does Bonine cause drowsiness or sleepiness?
Answer:
Yes, Bonine is a first-generation antihistamine known for its sedative effect. First-generation antihistamines can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, and interact with the histamine receptors, making you drowsy, tired or sleepy.[2] However, meclizine is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to other first-generation antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).
Some people might prefer this as it helps them sleep during the journey while helping relieve motion sickness symptoms. But if you prefer a non-drowsy medicine, let your doctor know.
Is Bonine available over the counter?
Answer:
Yes, Bonine is available without a prescription from a doctor.
Treated trusted source:
UC Davis (2024).Motion sickness: How you can prevent symptoms and enjoy travel. [online] cultivating-health
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Mar 19, 2025
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr. Joseph Palumbo, Senior Medical Adviser
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Dr. Joseph Palumbo
Senior Medical Adviser
Joseph joined Treated in 2023, and is one of the lead doctors providing prescribing services for the platform.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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