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Compare Meclizine vs. Zofran

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Meclizine (Antivert, Dramamine Less Drowsy) and ondansetron (Zofran) are both used to treat nausea and vomiting, but they belong to different medication classes. Meclizine is an antihistamine, while ondansetron is an antiemetic. Meclizine is available over-the-counter for motion sickness and by prescription for vertigo, whereas ondansetron is prescription-only and used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery or cancer treatments. Meclizine comes in chewable tablets or pills, while ondansetron is available as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and liquid, and can also be given as an injection by a healthcare professional. Meclizine can cause sleepiness, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating, while ondansetron may lead to headaches, tiredness, and constipation or diarrhea. Ondansetron can interact with medications like antidepressants and migraine medications, while meclizine can interact with anticholinergic medications. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Meclizine
    Ondansetron (Zofran)
  • Meclizine
    Ondansetron (Zofran)

  • Summary of Meclizine vs. Zofran

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Meclizine is an antihistamine. It's used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness from motion sickness or vertigo. It's available in both prescription (to treat vertigo) and over-the-counter (to treat motion sickness) forms. Meclizine also comes as a chewable tablet or pill that you swallow whole. Some common side effects of meclizine include sleepiness, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating.

    Summary for Antiemetic
    Prescription only

    Ondansetron (Zofran) is an antiemetic (or anti-nausea) medication. It's used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery or cancer treatments. It works by stopping a chemical called serotonin from binding to receptors in the brain that cause the feeling of nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron (Zofran) is taken by mouth, typically every 8 to 12 hours. It comes in different formulations, including orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) and oral solution. It can also be given as injection by a healthcare professional (HCP) in a hospital setting. Side effects of this medication include headache, tiredness, and constipation or diarrhea.

  • Indications of Meclizine vs. Zofran

    Indications for
    •Over-the-counter (OTC) meclizine: Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness from motion sickness
    •Prescription meclizine: Vertigo (feeling like your surroundings are moving or spinning)
    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting after surgery

  • Pros and Cons of Meclizine vs. Zofran

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works well to treat symptoms of motion sickness and vertigo
    •Available as chewable tablets and oral pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generics
    •Effects can last for a full day
    Cons
    •Can make you sleepy or dizzy
    •Not available as a liquid form
    •Not approved for use in children less than 12 years old (especially Antivert, which isn't approved for use in children younger than 18 years of age)
    •Not the best choice for people over 65 years old, people with glaucoma, or people with problems urinating
    Pros and Const for Antiemetic
    Pros
    •Can use for both adults and children
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as a liquid, dissolvable tablet, and injection for people who have problems swallowing pills or are too nauseous to keep medication down
    •Possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times daily
    •Might cause headache
    •Can interact with certain medications, like antidepressants and migraine medications
    •Not the best option for people who are at risk for stomach or gut blockages (bowel problems)

  • Common Side Effects of Meclizine vs. Zofran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    •Fatigue
    •Vomiting
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 24%)
    •Fatigue (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 9%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)

  • Warnings of Meclizine vs. Zofran

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of heart attack
    •Masking of gut blockage and stomach bloating
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Meclizine vs. Zofran

    Learn more about Meclizine
    Learn more about Ondansetron

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