Meclizine or Meclizine Hydrochloride is used as an anti-vertigo drug to control the symptoms of vertigo and imbalance. Meclizine is a generic drug which is available under different brand names. The popular ones are Antivert, Meni -D, Meclozine, Bonine, Dramamine, VertiCalm, D-Vert, Meclicot, Medivert, Driminate II, Bonamine Postafen & Pregnidoxin.

Meclizine is an antihistamine agent with antiemetic and antispasmodic properties.Antihistamines work by reducing the effect of histamine, a chemical generated in the body as a response to an allergic reaction, and interfere with histamine effects such as narrowing of airways, vasodilation and heightened permeability of blood vessels.

Meclizine suppresses the central nervous system by its anticholinergic effect on neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.

Meclizine hydrochloride was found to be a good suppressor of vestibular stimulation by controlling the activity of hair cells in the inner ear and therefore helpful in treating vertigo symptoms like dizziness and spinning.

Since the drug reduces central brain activity, it reduces nausea and vomiting sensation and is used for control of motion sickness as an antiemetic agent.

The drug helps in muscle relaxation too due to its antispasmodic property.

The above properties enable Meclizine’s use in various medical issues.

Meclizine 12.5 mg is the lowest strength. The drug is also available in 25mg, 32mg, 50 mg and 100 mg.

• Adults suffering from motion sickness must take Meclizine tablet an hour before travelling. The dosage can be between 12.5mg – 50mg. For travel sickness, one can take the pill 8 hourly.
• Adults using Meclizine for vertigo can take it twice or thrice a day of 25mg-100mg strength for up to 5 days

Doctor’s prescription needs to be followed to get desired relief from the medicine.

• Children below 12 years and older adults of 65 years and above must avoid using Meclizine tablet.

Meclizine is considered to be safe during pregnancy and also during breastfeeding Informing the doctor will help them to provide better treatment to you.

It is not advisable to take Meclizine more than the dosage prescribed by the medical practitioner. If you have missed any dose, you can directly take the next dose rather than taking 2 doses simultaneously to compensate for the missed one.

Meclizine is an orally administrable drug that is available in the form of a tablet, capsule and chewable tablet.

Meclizine Hydrochloride causes drowsiness. Consuming alcohol, driving or engaging in rigorous activities such as exercising, running, working on equipment should be avoided.

Other side-effects of Meclizine are

Many of these side-effects persist only for the duration of the medication and subside after the discontinuation of the drug. However, if the conditions do not subside or get severe, consult the doctor immediately.

Meclizine Hydrochloride may have some drug interactions. when taken with other medication. Inform the doctor about your ongoing medicines to avoid any drug reactione

Your doctor should know if you have any of the below medical conditions

• Respiratory disorders
• Cardiovascular problems
• Glaucoma
• Gastrointestinal disorder
• Urinary disorder or enlarged prostate
• Kidney or liver disorder

Doctors do not prefer prescribing Meclizine under these medical conditions, as these either aggravate the diseases or interfere with the medication of these states.

As mentioned earlier in the post, Meclizine Hydrochloride acts by reducing the activity and sedating the central nervous system to reduce the vestibular stimulation. This action helps control the acute vertigo symptoms like spinning sensation and nausea.

The drug is suitable for vertigo patients who are facing acute vertigo symptoms. The drug should not be taken for more than 5 days. Continual use of the drug will interfere with compensation of the central nervous system leading to a reduced or incomplete recovery. Instead, central compensatory treatment like vestibular rehabilitation therapy and physical manoeuvres help provide cure to the vertigo issue. This treatment provides sustained results in reducing vertigo symptoms and improves the treatment outcome.

Meclizine does not address lightheadedness, unsteadiness, and imbalance. This drug is suggested mainly to vertigo patients with vestibular disorders like Meniere’s Disease, Labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis in the acute stage. Meclizine should be stopped as soon as possible once the acute symptoms subside.

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