Why is this medication prescribed?

Antivert (generic meclizine) is primarily prescribed for the following conditions:

• Vertigo: It helps alleviate dizziness or spinning sensations, often caused by inner ear problems or vestibular disorders.
• Motion Sickness: It can be used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how to use Antivert correctly:

• Dosage: Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage. The typical dose for vertigo is 25-100 mg per day, divided into 1-3 doses. For motion sickness, it’s usually taken 1 hour before travel.
• Administration: Antivert is usually taken orally, with or without food. It comes in tablet or chewable form, so ensure you swallow the tablets whole or chew them thoroughly as instructed.
• Timing: Take the medication consistently as prescribed. For motion sickness, take it before the anticipated motion starts, and for vertigo, take it as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Avoid Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness.
• Drowsiness: Meclizine can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and adjustments based on your specific condition and response to the medication.

Other uses for this medicine

Besides treating vertigo and motion sickness, meclizine may also be used for:

• Nausea and Vomiting: It can help manage nausea and vomiting associated with various conditions beyond motion sickness.
• Allergic Reactions: Occasionally, it may be used as an antihistamine to alleviate allergy symptoms.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions:

• Drowsiness: Meclizine can cause significant drowsiness or sedation. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in activities that require full alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
• Alcohol and Other Sedatives: Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants while taking meclizine, as they can increase drowsiness and impair your ability to function.
• Liver or Kidney Disease: These conditions may affect how your body processes the medication.
• Glaucoma: Meclizine can potentially worsen certain types of glaucoma.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor whether meclizine is appropriate for you.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications and supplements you are taking, as meclizine can interact with certain drugs.
• Overdose: Do not take more than the prescribed dose. In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them if you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary instructions required while taking meclizine. However, it’s generally a good idea to maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can exacerbate side effects.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Timing: If you miss a dose and remember it within a few hours, take it as soon as possible.
• Next Dose: If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Do Not Double Up: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Antivert (meclizine) can cause a range of side effects. Common and less severe side effects include:

• Drowsiness: This is the most common side effect and can affect your ability to perform tasks requiring alertness.
• Dry Mouth: You might experience dryness in the mouth.
• Headache: Some people report headaches as a side effect.
• Fatigue: You may feel unusually tired or fatigued.
• Blurred Vision: Temporary blurred vision can occur in some cases.
• Constipation: Digestive changes, including constipation, may happen.

More serious side effects, although less common, include:

• Severe Drowsiness: Excessive sedation can occur, which may impair daily functioning.
• Confusion or Disorientation: Particularly in older adults, meclizine can cause confusion or disorientation.
• Difficulty Breathing: Rarely, it might affect your breathing or cause respiratory issues.
• Allergic Reactions: Symptoms like rash, itching, or swelling, especially of the face, tongue, or throat, may indicate a serious allergic reaction.

If you experience severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. For any side effects that are bothersome or persistent, consult your healthcare provider to discuss alternative options or adjustments to your treatment.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage of Antivert:

• Store Antivert at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture. Generally, this means keeping it in a place where temperatures range between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Disposal of Antivert:

• Do not flush the medication down the toilet or sink unless instructed to do so by a drug take-back program or local guidelines.
• Use a drug take-back program or a community drug take-back event to safely dispose of unused or expired medications.
• If no take-back programs are available, mix the medication with an undesirable substance like used coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed container or bag, and dispose of it in your household trash.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose: Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, or blurred vision.
• Action: Seek immediate medical attention or contact your local emergency services if you suspect an overdose.
• Emergency Contact: Have the phone number of your local poison control center readily available.

What other information should I know?

• Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions with other medications and inform your healthcare provider about all the drugs and supplements you are taking.
• Regular Check-Ups: Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and adjust dosages if necessary.
• Side Effects: Be vigilant about any side effects and report any unusual or severe symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions and consult them if you have any questions or concerns regarding your medication.