Meclizine

Meclizine

Have you ever felt dizzy or nauseous during a car ride or boat trip? Meclizine might be the solution you're looking for. This medicine has gained popularity for its effectiveness in those who struggle with balance issues, the discomfort of travelling, or certain medical conditions.

This blog explores the various uses of meclizine, how to use it properly, its potential side effects, and the necessary precautions to take.

What is Meclizine?

Meclizine is an FDA-approved medication that belongs to the class of first-generation antihistamines. It has gained popularity for its effectiveness in treating motion sickness and vertigo. This medication acts as a non-selective H1 antagonist, which means it blocks specific receptors in the body to alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.

Meclizine Uses

Meclizine tablets have a range of applications in managing various health conditions. The following are some uses of meclizine:

• Motion Sickness Management: Meclizine helps prevent & treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. To prevent motion sickness, individuals should take the first dose one hour before starting activities such as travel. 
• Vertigo Treatment: Meclizine reduces dizziness and loss of balance (vertigo) caused by inner ear problems, including vestibular diseases such as Meniere's disease and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Other Uses: Doctors may prescribe meclizine tablets for several off-label uses:

• Viral illnesses
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Pregnancy-related nausea
• Radiation therapy-induced nausea
• Acute attacks of vestibular migraine

How to Use Meclizine

Meclizine is available in various forms, including regular tablets, chewable tablets, and capsules. The proper use of this medication depends on the condition being treated and the doctor's specific instructions.

• For motion sickness prevention, individuals should take meclizine one hour before starting their journey. If necessary, additional doses can be taken every 24 hours during travel.
• When using chewable tablets, patients can chew them thoroughly or swallow them whole. 
• Meclizine can be taken with or without food.
• If you missed a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the one already missed and resume the regular dosing schedule. It's important not to double doses.

Side Effects of Meclizine Tablet

The side effects of meclizine range from common and mild to severe and rare, including:

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth

Serious Side Effects: While rare, some people may experience serious aftereffects that require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Allergic Reactions: Symptoms may include trouble breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, rash, itching, or severe dizziness.Mental/Mood Changes: This can manifest as restlessness or confusion.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Shaking (tremor)
• Difficulty urinating
• Seizures (rare)

Drug Interactions

Meclizine can interact with other medications, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. These include:

• Anti-anxiety medications
• Allergy medications
• Drugs for psychotic disorders
• Insomnia medications
• Muscle relaxants

Taking meclizine with these medications can increase the risk of sedative effects, including drowsiness, slowed breathing, and cognitive impairment.

Precautions

While effective for treating motion sickness and vertigo, meclizine requires careful consideration before use. Patients should inform their doctor about their allergies, as this medicine may contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other problems.

• Meclizine impacts alertness and can cause drowsiness. Users should avoid driving, using machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until their doctor tells them.
• Children under 12 years old
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
• Older adults may be more susceptible to aftereffects, particularly drowsiness, confusion, or urinary problems. 
•  Individuals with a history of allergic reactions to meclizine or its ingredients
•  People taking certain medications: Meclizine can interact with various drugs, including:
  •  Anti-anxiety medications
  •  Drugs for psychotic disorders
  •  Muscle relaxants
  •  Other antihistamines
  •  Sleep medications
•  People with specific medical histories, including:
  •  Breathing problems (asthma, emphysema)
  •  Glaucoma
  •  Heart problems
  •  High blood pressure
  •  Seizures
  •  Gastrointestinal ailments (such as ulcers or blockages)
  •  Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
  •  Difficulty urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate)
  •  Liver problems
  •  Kidney problems

How Meclizine Works

Meclizine, a first-generation antihistamine, significantly impacts the body through its central anticholinergic actions. These actions give meclizine its antiemetic (anti-nausea) and antivertigo properties. The drug works by blocking histamine H1 receptors and has central anticholinergic actions. These blocking effects occur in specific areas of the brain, including:

• The vomiting centre in the medulla
• The chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ)
• The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS)
• The vestibular nuclei

By inhibiting signals through histamine neurotransmission in these areas, meclizine reduces vestibular stimulation and labyrinth excitability. This action effectively alleviates the symptoms of motion sickness and vertigo.

Can I Take Meclizine with Other Medicines?

Many medications interact with meclizine, which is why patients should be cautious when taking it with other medicines. Some common drugs that interact with meclizine medication include:

• Over-the-counter sleep aids containing first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine or doxylamine can intensify side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth when combined with meclizine.
• Anticholinergic medications can worsen shared side effects with meclizine, including constipation, blurry vision, and confusion.
• Benzodiazepines may exacerbate shared side effects with meclizine, including drowsiness, headache, and vomiting. In severe instances, this combination can lead to dangerously slowed breathing.
• Dronabinol, used to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, should be avoided with meclizine as it can lead to worsened mental function, drowsiness, and changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
• First-generation antihistamines can cause excessive drowsiness and worsen shared side effects when combined with meclizine. 
• Opioids can cause drowsiness and slowed breathing when taken with meclizine.
• Phenobarbital can intensify drowsiness and potentially dangerous slowed breathing when combined with meclizine.
• Combining alcohol with meclizine is not recommended, as both substances cause drowsiness and slow brain activity.

Dosing Information

Meclizine medication dosage varies based on the patient's age, condition, and needs. Doctors tailor the dosage to each individual, considering factors such as the severity of symptoms and the patient's response to treatment.

Patients must carefully follow their doctor's instructions or the directions on the label.

• Motion Sickness (Adults):
  • Initial dose: 25 to 50 milligrams orally, 1 hour before the journey
  • Maintenance dose: Repeat every 24 hours if needed
• Vertigo (Adults):
  • 25 to 100 mg orally per day, divided into multiple doses
  • Dosing adjusted based on clinical response
• Children (12 years and older):
  • A doctor must determine dosage for both motion sickness and vertigo
• Children (younger than 12 years):
  • Not recommended

Conclusion

Meclizine is a versatile medication with a range of applications. From meclizine tablet uses in treating motion sickness and vertigo to its potential in managing withdrawal symptoms and possible future use in treating achondroplasia, meclizine demonstrates significant versatility. As with any medication, it's crucial to consult a doctor before using meclizine to ensure proper dosage and minimise potential risks while maximising its benefits.

FAQ's

1. What is the drug meclizine used for?

Meclizine helps manage various conditions related to balance and nausea. Doctors prescribe this medication primarily for motion sickness, vertigo, and nausea and vomiting.

2. Can I take meclizine every day?

While meclizine can be effective for managing symptoms of vertigo and motion sickness, it is not typically recommended for long-term daily use without medical supervision. Continual use of meclizine may interfere with the central nervous system's compensation mechanisms, potentially leading to reduced or incomplete recovery from vertigo. Following the prescribed dosage and consulting with a doctor before using meclizine for extended periods is crucial.

3. Is meclizine bad for your kidneys?

The impact of meclizine on kidney function has not been extensively studied & its safety profile for individuals with kidney problems remains uncertain. Due to the potential accumulation of the drug in their system, people with kidney issues may be more susceptible to side effects. Patients with kidney problems should discuss the use of meclizine with their doctor before starting treatment.

4. Who cannot take meclizine?

Several groups of people should exercise caution or avoid taking meclizine altogether. Doctors generally do not recommend meclizine for:

• Older adults and children under 12 years old
• People with certain medical conditions, such as breathing ailments, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, liver problems, and seizure disorder
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
• People take certain medications, such as sleep medications, anti-anxiety medications, antihistamines, or muscle relaxants.
• Individuals with a history of allergic reactions to meclizine or its ingredients
• People with specific medical histories, such as heart problems, hypertension, gastrointestinal issues (such as ulcers or blockages), or hyperthyroidism