Meclizine is an oral antihistamine used to prevent and relieve motion sickness and to manage vertigo-related dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. By dampening vestibular stimulation in the inner ear, it helps stabilize balance signals so you feel steadier during travel or flare-ups of vestibular disorders. Available over the counter for motion sickness and by prescription for certain vertigo protocols, it is generally well tolerated when used as directed. Typical side effects include drowsiness and dry mouth. Because it can impair alertness, avoid alcohol and use caution when driving. Always speak with a clinician about dosing, drug interactions, and use in pregnancy.
Meclizine is most commonly used to prevent and treat motion sickness symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting triggered by car, boat, or air travel. It works best when taken before exposure to motion and provides up to 24 hours of symptom control for many people. Because it reduces signaling from the vestibular system in the inner ear, it can also help manage vertigo associated with vestibular disorders, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease.
While meclizine relieves symptoms of spinning and imbalance, it does not treat the underlying cause of vertigo. For persistent or recurrent episodes, a medical evaluation is important to rule out serious conditions and to consider targeted therapies such as Epley maneuvers, vestibular rehabilitation, or migraine-directed treatment. For gastrointestinal upset not related to motion or vestibular dysfunction, other options may be more appropriate; a clinician can help differentiate causes and recommend the right medicine.
For motion sickness in adults and adolescents 12 years and older, the typical meclizine dosage is 25 to 50 mg taken once, about one hour before travel or motion exposure. A second dose is rarely needed within 24 hours because of the medicine’s long duration; if symptoms persist or recur the next day, another dose may be taken. Many over-the-counter (OTC) products provide 25 mg tablets or chewables labeled for “Less Drowsy” motion sickness relief. Meclizine may be taken with or without food and with a full glass of water; chewables should be thoroughly chewed before swallowing.
For vertigo, clinicians often prescribe 25 to 50 mg meclizine up to three times daily for short periods, using the lowest effective dose and shortest duration to reduce side effects like drowsiness. Because prolonged use can slow central compensation in some vestibular conditions, providers typically limit continuous daily therapy and reassess frequently. Older adults may be more sensitive to sedation and anticholinergic effects; consider starting at 12.5 to 25 mg and titrating cautiously. For anyone with complex medical histories or polypharmacy, individualized dosing guidance is essential.
Meclizine can cause drowsiness, slowed reaction time, blurred vision, and impaired coordination. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring full alertness until you know how you respond. Alcohol, cannabis, sedatives, and sleep aids can intensify sedation and should be avoided or minimized. Because meclizine has anticholinergic properties, use caution if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, enlarged prostate or urinary retention, asthma or COPD, bowel obstruction, or myasthenia gravis. In older adults, cumulative anticholinergic burden has been linked to confusion, constipation, falls, and dry mouth; keep doses low and durations short when possible.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Historical data suggest meclizine has low risk when used intermittently for motion sickness, but always consult your obstetric provider before using any medication during pregnancy. For breastfeeding, occasional doses are unlikely to harm most infants, yet watch for infant drowsiness or poor feeding. If dizziness or nausea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by neurological symptoms (such as double vision, severe headache, weakness, fainting, or chest pain), seek medical evaluation promptly.
Do not use meclizine if you have a known hypersensitivity to meclizine or any product component. Unless directed by a clinician, avoid meclizine in individuals with narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention due to prostatic hypertrophy, severe asthma, or gastrointestinal obstruction because anticholinergic effects can worsen these conditions. Children under 12 years should not use most OTC meclizine products unless a pediatric clinician specifically recommends and supervises treatment. If you have previously experienced severe sedation, confusion, or allergic reactions with antihistamines, discuss alternatives with your provider.
Common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, headache, and mild constipation. These are usually dose related and improve as the dose is reduced or with short-term use. To ease dry mouth, sip water frequently or use sugar-free gum; to reduce drowsiness, avoid alcohol and other sedatives and consider taking the lowest dose that controls your symptoms.
Less common but important effects include confusion (particularly in older adults), difficulty urinating, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, skin rash, or sensitivity reactions. Seek medical attention immediately for signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing), severe dizziness or fainting, persistent vomiting, new visual disturbances, or urinary retention. Report bothersome side effects to your clinician; dose adjustments or alternative therapies are often available.
CNS depressants can add to meclizine’s sedative effects. Use caution or avoid combining with alcohol, benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, lorazepam), opioids, sedative antihistamines (diphenhydramine, doxylamine), sleep medications (zolpidem), muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine), antipsychotics, or barbiturates. Combining such agents increases the risk of profound drowsiness, confusion, falls, and respiratory depression. If you need more than one sedating medication, ask your clinician about safer alternatives or dose spacing strategies.
Meclizine also has anticholinergic activity. Concurrent use with other anticholinergic drugs—such as tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), antispasmodics (dicyclomine), bladder antimuscarinics (oxybutynin), anti-Parkinson agents (benztropine), or scopolamine—can intensify dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, confusion, and urinary retention. Limited data suggest meclizine may affect CYP2D6 metabolism; monitor when combined with sensitive CYP2D6 substrates (for example, metoprolol, carvedilol, certain SSRIs like paroxetine). Always review OTC cold and allergy products for sedating ingredients that can duplicate effects.
If you take meclizine on a scheduled basis for vertigo and miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose; never double up. For motion sickness, take a dose about one hour before travel. If you forget and symptoms begin, a dose may still help, but prevention is usually more effective.
Symptoms of overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, dry mouth, dilated pupils, flushed skin, rapid heartbeat, urinary retention, and, rarely, seizures or coma—especially if combined with alcohol or other sedatives. If an overdose is suspected, call your local poison control center (in the U.S., 1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency care immediately. Supportive management is typical; do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional. Keep all medications out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
Store meclizine at room temperature (68–77°F or 20–25°C) in a dry place away from direct light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and use only within the expiration date. Do not store in the bathroom. Dispose of unused or expired medication according to local guidelines or pharmacy take-back programs. Always keep medicines out of reach of children and pets.
In the United States, meclizine is widely available over the counter for prevention and treatment of motion sickness, typically in 25 mg strengths. For vertigo and certain vestibular conditions, clinicians may recommend prescription use with tailored dosing schedules. Regulations require labeling that warns about drowsiness and operating machinery, and many states allow purchase by adults and adolescents with age-appropriate guidance. When buying online or in-store, choose reputable pharmacies, verify product strength and active ingredient (meclizine HCl), and review the Drug Facts label to avoid duplicate sedating ingredients.
For patients seeking convenience with clinical oversight, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee offers a legal and structured solution for acquiring Meclizine without a formal prescription when appropriate, providing counseling and safe-use guidance through a compliant process. This pathway supports eligible needs—such as motion sickness prevention—while ensuring you receive education on dosing, side effects, and interactions. If your symptoms suggest a condition requiring medical evaluation, staff can facilitate referral to a clinician so you receive the right diagnosis and treatment plan alongside access to medication.
Meclizine is a first‑generation antihistamine with anticholinergic activity that calms the inner ear (vestibular) system. It blocks H1 receptors and helps reduce nausea, vomiting, and dizziness from motion sickness and vestibular disorders like Ménière’s disease.
It is used to prevent and treat motion sickness (nausea, vomiting, dizziness) and to relieve vertigo from vestibular conditions such as labyrinthitis and Ménière’s disease. It treats symptoms but does not cure the underlying cause.
It typically starts working within about 1 hour, with effects lasting up to 24 hours in many people. For best prevention of motion sickness, take it about 1 hour before travel.
For motion sickness, many adults take 25–50 mg by mouth about 1 hour before travel; some may repeat once daily if needed. For vertigo, typical prescription dosing ranges 25–100 mg per day in divided doses; follow your clinician’s instructions and do not exceed labeled directions.
Both. In many regions, 25 mg meclizine is available OTC (for adults and children 12+). Higher doses or certain indications may use prescription meclizine (often known by the brand Antivert).
Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, fatigue, and headache are most common. Less commonly, confusion (especially in older adults), urinary retention, or palpitations can occur. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives to reduce risk.
Use caution if you have glaucoma, enlarged prostate/urinary retention, asthma/COPD, bowel obstruction, liver impairment, or if you are elderly (higher risk of confusion and falls). Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to meclizine or similar antihistamines.
Meclizine has a long track record and is generally considered compatible with pregnancy when clinically needed, but you should consult your obstetric clinician before use, especially in the first trimester.
Small amounts may pass into breast milk and could cause infant drowsiness; sedating antihistamines may also reduce milk supply at higher or repeated doses. Discuss with your clinician; consider timing doses after a feed and monitoring the infant.
Avoid alcohol and be cautious with driving or operating machinery until you know how meclizine affects you. It can cause significant drowsiness and slow reaction times, especially when combined with other sedatives.
OTC meclizine is typically labeled for ages 12 and older. For younger children, ask a pediatric clinician about alternatives such as dimenhydrinate, which has pediatric dosing on its label.
Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sleep aids, muscle relaxants, and other CNS depressants increase sedation. Other anticholinergics (e.g., scopolamine, some antidepressants) can worsen dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. Meclizine is metabolized in the liver (CYP2D6); strong inhibitors (e.g., paroxetine, fluoxetine, bupropion) may increase effects.
Short-term, as‑needed use is preferred. Daily long‑term use can impair vestibular compensation and increase anticholinergic risks, especially in older adults. If vertigo persists, seek evaluation to address the underlying cause and consider vestibular rehabilitation.
If you use it as needed, take it when symptoms arise or 1 hour before anticipated motion exposure. If on a scheduled regimen, take it when remembered unless it’s close to the next dose. Do not double up.
Take 25–50 mg about 1 hour before departure. For longer trips, some people take a single daily dose; follow label directions and avoid alcohol. Consider non‑drug strategies too: face forward, fix your gaze on the horizon, ensure ventilation, and avoid heavy meals.
Common brands include Bonine and Dramamine Less Drowsy (OTC), and Antivert (prescription). Check the active ingredient panel to confirm “meclizine” as formulations vary by brand.
Both help motion sickness, but dimenhydrinate often causes more drowsiness and lasts 4–6 hours, requiring more frequent dosing. Meclizine is typically less sedating for many people and lasts up to 24 hours; dimenhydrinate has pediatric labeling for younger children, which meclizine generally does not.
Both work, but diphenhydramine is usually more sedating and shorter‑acting (4–6 hours). Meclizine’s once‑daily convenience and lower sedation make it a common first choice for travel; diphenhydramine may help if meclizine is unavailable or ineffective.
Meclizine and cyclizine are closely related piperazine antihistamines with similar efficacy for motion sickness; both tend to be less sedating than dimenhydrinate. Cyclizine availability varies by country; dosing is typically every 6 hours for cyclizine vs once daily for meclizine.
Promethazine is a potent antiemetic and antihistamine, generally more sedating and available by prescription. It may be reserved for severe nausea/vertigo but carries higher risks (sedation, low blood pressure, paradoxical agitation, rare movement disorders), especially in children and older adults. Meclizine is often tried first for milder symptoms.
Both are effective. The scopolamine patch lasts 72 hours and is convenient for multi‑day cruises but needs to be applied at least 4 hours (ideally the night) before travel; it has anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision) and can rarely cause confusion. Meclizine works within about an hour and is taken daily; it may cause more drowsiness for some users.
Cinnarizine and flunarizine (not available in the US) are calcium‑channel blockers with antihistaminic properties used for vestibular disorders; they may help chronic vertigo but can cause weight gain, depression (flunarizine), and sedation. Meclizine is typically for acute symptom relief rather than long‑term prophylaxis.
Hydroxyzine is a sedating antihistamine used for anxiety, itching, and sometimes nausea; it is generally more sedating than meclizine and not a first‑line motion sickness drug. Meclizine is preferred for motion‑related nausea and vertigo due to targeted vestibular effects and longer duration.
Doxylamine plus pyridoxine is a first‑line, pregnancy‑specific therapy with strong safety data. Meclizine has historical use and may help, but many clinicians start with doxylamine‑pyridoxine; avoid combining multiple sedating antihistamines without medical guidance.
Bonine contains meclizine 25 mg. Dramamine Less Drowsy also contains meclizine 25 mg, while Dramamine Original contains dimenhydrinate, which is more sedating and shorter‑acting. Always check the active ingredient to choose the formulation you want.
Betahistine (used in some countries, not in the US) is an H1 agonist/H3 antagonist thought to improve inner‑ear microcirculation and is used for Ménière’s maintenance therapy. Meclizine is for acute symptom relief (vertigo, nausea) rather than disease modification; treatment choice depends on availability and clinical goals.
Compared with diphenhydramine and dimenhydrinate, many people find meclizine less sedating. Sensitivity varies, though, and any first‑generation antihistamine can impair alertness—test your response before activities that require focus.