What is Meclizine?
Meclizine is an oral antihistamine tablet that reduces vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. Itโs mainly used for conditions like Meniereโs disease, where inner ear problems cause sudden episodes of dizziness. Itโs also prescribed for motion sickness and, sometimes, as an โoff-labelโ treatment for other balance and spatial disorders. โOff-labelโ simply means outside of the medicationโs official license. Itโs a common practice among doctors when theyโre confident the medication will be safe and effective for your particular condition.
Meclizine doesnโt cure Meniereโs disease, but it can make flare-ups easier to manage by easing your symptoms.[1]
How does Meclizine work for Meniere’s disease?
Meclizine blocks histamine (H1) receptors in your brain and inner ear, and also has mild anticholinergic effects (meaning it blocks the action of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which contributes to your symptoms). Together, these actions calm down signals that cause vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. In Meniereโs disease, this helps reduce the intensity of sudden dizzy spells and makes the symptoms more manageable.[1][2]
Will I get side effects using Meclizine?
Like many antihistamines, meclizine can make you feel sleepy or drowsy. Other common side effects include dry mouth, headache, fatigue, or stomach upset. Most side effects are mild, but if they feel severe or donโt go away, let a clinician know.
People can also experience allergic reactions, or in rarer cases, blurred vision. If you experience this, seek medical advice.ย
What doses of Meclizine are there?
Meclizine is available in 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg oral tablets. The dose youโll be prescribed depends on what youโre using it for. For Meniereโs disease and vertigo, itโs typically 25 mg or 50 mg.
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