CATEGORIES: Motion sickness; Vertigo; Pregnancy Category B; FDA Approved April 1973
Drug Classes: Antiemetics/antivertigo; Antihistamines, H1
BRAND NAMES: Antivert; Meclicot; Meni-D
FOREIGN BRAND AVAILABILITY:
Bonamina (Argentina);
Bonamine (Canada, Germany, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan);
Chiclida (Spain);
Dramine (Spain);
Navicalm (Portugal);
Postadoxin (Germany);
Postadoxine (Philippines);
Postafen (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden);
Postafene (Belgium, Hong Kong);
Sea-Legs (New Zealand);
Suprimal (Netherlands)
COST OF THERAPY:
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Chemically, meclizine HCl is 1-(p-chloro-α-phenylbenzyl)-4-(m-methylbenzyl) piperazine dihydrochloride monohydrate.
Inert ingredients for the tablets are: dibasic calcium phosphate; magnesium stearate; polyethylene glycol; starch; sucrose. The 12.5 mg tablets also contain: blue no. 1. 25 mg tablets also contain: yellow no. 6 lake; yellow no. 10 lake. 50 mg tablets also contain: blue no. 1 lake; yellow no. 10 lake.
Inert ingredients for the chewable tablets are: lactose, magnesium stearate, raspberry flavor, red no. 40, saccharin sodium, siliceous earth, starch, talc.
Meclizine HCl is an antihistamine which shows marked protective activity against nebulized histamine and lethal doses of intravenously injected histamine in guinea pigs. It has a marked effect in blocking the vasodepressor response to histamine, but only a slight blocking action against acetylcholine. Its activity is relatively weak in inhibiting the spasmogenic action of histamine on isolated guinea pig ileum.
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Meclizine HCl is contraindicated in individuals who have shown a previous hypersensitivity to it.
Since drowsiness may, on occasion, occur with use of this drug, patients should be warned of this possibility and cautioned against driving a car or operating dangerous machinery.
Patients should avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this drug. Due to its potential anticholinergic action, this drug should be used with caution in patients with asthma, glaucoma, or enlargement of the prostate gland.
Use in Children
Clinical studies establishing safety and effectiveness in children have not been done; therefore, usage is not recommended in children under 12 years of age.
Use in Pregnancy, Pregnancy Category B
Reproduction studies in rats have shown cleft palates at 25-50 times the human dose. Epidemiological studies in pregnant women, however, do not indicate that meclizine increases the risk of abnormalities when administered during pregnancy. Despite the animal findings, it would appear that the possibilityof fetal harm is remote. Nevertheless, meclizine, or any other medication, should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary.
Drowsiness, dry mouth and, on rare occasions, blurred vision have been reported.
Vertigo
For the control of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system, the recommended dose is 25-100 mg daily, in divided dosage, depending upon clinical response.
Motion Sickness
The initial dose of 25-50 mg of meclizine HCl should be taken 1 hour prior to embarkation for protection against motion sickness. Thereafter, the dose may be repeated every 24 hours for the duration of the journey.
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