Many people experience dizziness and nausea while traveling in a vehicle like a bus or car, right? We also call this 'Motion Sickness'. Also, sometimes you suddenly feel like the whole world is spinning. It feels like you are spinning right where you are standing. We medically call this 'Vertigo'. So, in such cases, a medicine that doctors often recommend to us is Meclizine. Today, let's talk about this important medicine simply and clearly.
What kind of medicine is Meclizine?
Simply put, Meclizine is a drug that belongs to the antihistamine class. When you think of antihistamines, you think of drugs that are used to treat nausea and itchy skin, right? Yes, but this antihistamine called Meclizine specifically works on the centers in our brain that control vomiting and dizziness.
That is why this medicine is mainly used:
- Prevent nausea, vomiting and dizziness (motion sickness) while traveling. Imagine that you are traveling in a vehicle to a mountainous area like Nuwara Eliya. Many people find it difficult to travel on those winding roads. At such times, taking this pill before traveling can greatly reduce that discomfort.
- Treat vertigo. This medication helps control the extreme dizziness that occurs when you or your surroundings spin.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
This is a very important point. Before your doctor prescribes Meclizine, he or she should clearly inform you about your other illnesses or health conditions. Because using this medication with some medical conditions can be dangerous.
| Health condition / cause | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma condition | Meclizine can increase eye pressure. |
| Asthma or other lung diseases | This poses a risk of respiratory distress. |
| Difficulty urinating | The medication may make it more difficult to urinate. |
| Prostate diseases | Men, especially, may experience increased difficulty urinating. |
| Stomach or intestinal problems | In some cases, symptoms may worsen. |
| Allergies to Meclizine or other medications/foods | To prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is essential to discuss the possible effects on the baby with the doctor. |
How should I use the medicine?
When using this medicine, you must follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- Take this pill with a glass of water.
- If you are taking this to prevent motion sickness while traveling, take the medicine at least an hour before you travel . That's when the medicine will work properly and you will be protected.
- If you experience stomach upset after taking the medicine, take it with a meal or a glass of milk .
- Take the prescribed dose as prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
Important: If you are giving this medicine to young children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it. They may need special care.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
What if I miss a dose? (Missed Dose)
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with Meclizine
When taking this medicine, it may interact with other medications you are taking, such as alcohol. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
Do not take Meclizine with these medications:
- MAOIs are antidepressants (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate).
Meclizine may also interact with these things:
- Alcohol
- Other antihistamines for colds, coughs, and allergies
- Medication for anxiety or sleep
- Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline)
- Some medications for seizures (e.g. phenobarbital, primidone)
- Medications given to induce sleep before surgery
- Local anesthetics
- Muscle relaxants for surgery
- Some narcotic medicines
Be careful of these things when taking medicine.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up suddenly: Especially if you are elderly, don't get up suddenly from sitting or lying down. This will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
- Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can cause increased drowsiness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely.
- Dry mouth: If you feel like your mouth is dry, chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and sipping water may help.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: Your eyes may feel dry and your vision may be a little blurry. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used if necessary. If the problem persists, see an eye doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Meclizine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Characteristic | Description |
| Feeling dizzy, falling down | Feeling like your head is going to be lightheaded, feeling like you're about to lose consciousness, or feeling like you're going to fall. |
| Heart palpitations | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or abnormally. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Constipation | Drowsiness, headache, stomach upset. |
| Changes in urination | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you produce. |
| Sleep problems | Insomnia or sleep disturbances. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of children . This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Keep the medicine bottle/box tightly closed.
- Never use expired medications . Throw them away.
The most important thing is that this article is only intended to provide you with general information. If you have any questions about Meclizine or any other medication, the best person to talk to is your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Before taking Meclizine, tell your doctor about all other medical conditions you have (especially glaucoma, asthma, urinary problems).
- This medicine may make you drowsy. Therefore, do not drive or do anything that requires attention.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking Meclizine.
- If you experience serious side effects such as dizziness or rapid heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine was given to you by the doctor. Never give it to others.
- Always keep medicine safely out of the reach of children.
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