Do you feel nauseous while traveling? Do you feel dizzy? Let's learn about the Meclizine pill!

Do you also feel nauseous when traveling on a long bus or van? Do you vomit? Some people can't even listen to a song on the bus, read a book, or look at their phone, right? We call this motion sickness or `Motion Sickness`. So, for situations like this, as well as for vertigo, which sometimes feels like the whole world is spinning, `Meclizine` is a medicine that doctors often recommend. Today, let's talk about this medicine in simple terms.

What is Meclizine?

Simply put, `Meclizine` is an `(Antihistamine)` type of medicine. When you hear the word ``Antihistamine``, you think of medicines for nausea, itching, and allergies, right? Yes, that's right. But this ``Meclizine`` has a special ability. It affects the system in the inner ear, which controls our body's balance, and the brain.

Imagine, when you are driving a car, your eyes see that you are in one place, but the system inside your ear feels that you are moving. When the brain receives these two messages, there is a little confusion . That is when we get things like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. `Meclizine` works by controlling these messages going to the brain and saving you from discomfort. This medicine is also used to treat severe dizziness called `(Vertigo)`.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Okay, now there are a few things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medication. Don't hide these things, because they are very important for your own safety.

If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor:

• Glaucoma: This is a condition in which the pressure in the eyes increases.
• Breathing difficulties: Lung diseases like asthma.
• Urinary difficulties: Difficulty urinating or urinary retention.
• Prostate disease: Problems with the prostate gland, especially in men as they age.
• Intestinal problems: Conditions such as blockages in the stomach or intestines.
• Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant: This is very important if you are pregnant or expecting a baby.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
• Allergies to other things: Tell your doctor if you have any allergic reactions to Meclizine or any other medications, foods, or preservatives.

How do you use this medicine?

The way to use this is very simple. It comes in the form of a chewable tablet.

• Chew this tablet completely and swallow it with a glass of water. Alternatively, you can swallow it whole.
• Most importantly: If you're taking this for motion sickness, you should take it at least an hour before you start your journey . That's when the medicine will work best during the journey.
• If you experience stomach upset after taking the medicine, take it with a meal or a glass of milk.
• Take only the prescribed dose, at the time your doctor prescribes. Never take more than the prescribed amount.

What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)

If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this , don't delay . Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Meclizine is a drug that can interact with certain other medications, such as alcohol. This means that when taken together, the drug's effectiveness may change or the side effects may increase.

Things to be aware of and side effects when taking medication

There are some minor side effects that can occur when taking this medication. It's important to be aware of them.

Things to consider

• Drowsiness and dizziness: This is the main thing. When taking this medicine, you may feel a little dizzy, drowsy, or dizzy . Therefore , you should definitely avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness while taking this medicine. Do not do so until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
• Dry mouth: You may experience a dry mouth. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking on a lollipop, and drinking more water can help. If this problem persists, tell your doctor.
• Dry eyes and blurred vision: Your eyes may become dry and your vision may become slightly blurred. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. You can use lubricating eye drops at that time.

Possible side effects

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