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meclizine hydrochloride (meclozine hydrochloride)
Antivert, Antivert/25OTC, Antivert/50, Bonamine†, BonineOTC, DizmissOTC, Meni-D, Ru-Vert-M, VergonOTC

Pregnancy Risk Category B

How supplied
Tablets:
12.5 mg, 25 mgOTC, 50 mg
Tablets (chewable):
25 mgOTC
Capsules:
25 mg

Action
Unknown. Antihistamine that may affect neural pathways originating in the labyrinth to inhibit nausea and vomiting.

Indications & dosage
Vertigo--

Adults:
25 to 100 mg P.O. daily in divided doses. Dosage varies with response.
Motion sickness--

Adults:
25 to 50 mg P.O. 1 hour before travel; then daily for duration of trip.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
drowsiness, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, auditory and visual hallucinations.
CV:
hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia.
EENT:
blurred vision, diplopia, tinnitus, dry nose and throat.
GI:
dry mouth, constipation, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
GU:
urine retention, urinary frequency.
Skin:
urticaria, rash.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
CNS depressants: increased drowsiness. Use together cautiously.

Effects on diagnostic tests

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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