What is Meclizine?
Meclizine is an oral antihistamine tablet that reduces vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. It’s mainly used for conditions like Meniere’s disease, where inner ear problems cause sudden episodes of dizziness. It’s also prescribed for motion sickness and, sometimes, as an ‘off-label’ treatment for other balance and spatial disorders. ‘Off-label’ simply means outside of the medication’s official license. It’s a common practice among doctors when they’re confident the medication will be safe and effective for your particular condition.
Meclizine doesn’t cure Meniere’s 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 Meniere’s 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 don’t 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.
What doses of Meclizine are there?
Meclizine is available in 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg oral tablets. The dose you’ll be prescribed depends on what you’re using it for. For Meniere’s disease and vertigo, it’s typically 25 mg or 50 mg.
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