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Meclizine Coupon - Meclizine 25mg tablet

meclizine

Generic Antivert
Used for Nausea, Motion Sickness, Vertigo
Used for Nausea, Motion Sickness, Vertigo

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 13, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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basics-icon

What is Meclizine?

What is Meclizine used for?

How Meclizine works

Meclizine is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical in your body, from binding (attaching) to a part of your brain that triggers nausea and vomiting.

Are you looking for information on dimenhydrinate (Dramamine Original Formula) instead?
When does Meclizine start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAntivert, Dramamine Motion Sickness Less Drowsy, Bonine for Motion Sickness
Drug ClassAntihistamine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Meclizine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Sleepiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting

Other Side Effects

  • Blurry vision

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): closing of the throat, skin rash, swelling of the face, trouble breathing
  • Accidentally taking too much medication: fast heartbeat, flushing, extreme sleepiness, changes in vision, irritability in children
When do Meclizine possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Sleepiness or drowsiness
Fatigue

Source: DailyMed

More on Meclizine side effects

Health: Meclizine: side effects meclizine

7 Meclizine Side Effects You Should Know About

Written by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Cough

difficulty swallowing

dizziness

drowsiness

fast heartbeat

hives, itching, skin rash

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

Blurred vision

Incidence not known

Dry mouth

headache

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Meclizine

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Meclizine

pharmacist

  • If you have the chewable tablet, make sure to chew the tablet completely before swallowing. Don't swallow them whole.

    • If you're taking the regular tablets, swallow the tablet whole.

      • Meclizine can be taken with or without food. If it's upsetting your stomach, try taking it with food to help.

        • Meclizine can interact with a lot of medications, especially those that are anticholinergic or those that can cause sleepiness. Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you're taking to make sure meclizine is safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking meclizine without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of overdose and severe side effects, including seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), or even death.

          • Meclizine can make you sleepy and dizzy. Don't drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you. Avoid alcohol while taking meclizine. In addition, let you provider know if you're taking medications such as benzodiazepines, anxiety medications, or sleep medications, because all of these can make sleepiness and confusion from meclizine worse.

            • Don't use other antihistamines while taking meclizine without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of taking too much medication (overdose). This can lead to side effects such as agitation, dry mouth, and behavior changes. Sometimes, side effects can be life-threatening.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Meclizine

              How long does it take for meclizine to work?
              It takes about 1 hour for meclizine to start working. This is why if you're taking meclizine for motion sickness, you should plan to take it about an hour before the activity that might cause motion sickness.
              How long does meclizine last?
              Meclizine's effects can last for 8 to 24 hours. This means that if you're taking meclizine for vertigo and your symptoms last most of the day, your provider might ask you to take multiple doses of this medication throughout the day.
              Does meclizine make me sleepy?
              Yes, it's possible for meclizine to make you feel sleepy. However, meclizine tends to cause less sleepiness compared to dimenhydrinate (Dramamine Original Formula), another OTC motion sickness medication. If you're taking meclizine for the first time, don't drive or do anything that requires a lot of focus or attention until you know how this medication makes you feel. To lower your risk for sleepiness, avoid alcohol and other medications that can also make you sleepy. Let your provider know if meclizine makes you very drowsy, they can talk to you about other options for your condition.
              Is meclizine over the counter (OTC)?
              Meclizine is available either over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription, depending on which health condition you're being treated for. If you're taking meclizine for motion sickness, you can get it over the counter. Some examples of OTC meclizine include Dramamine Less Drowsy or Bonine Motion Sickness. But if you have vertigo, your provider will need to write you a prescription for meclizine (Antivert) before you can pick it up at the pharmacy. This is because vertigo can be a symptom of more serious health conditions, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis, so it's best if you see a doctor who can help you find the cause of your symptoms. Ask your pharmacist or provider if you have any questions.
              Is meclizine the same as Dramamine?
              It depends. Dramamine is the name of a brand that makes multiple products, rather than a single medication. In fact, meclizine exist as Dramamine Less Drowsy. But the original Dramamine product that people often think of is dimenhydrinate. Meclizine and dimenhydrinate aren't the same. While they're both OTC medications that can be taken for motion sickness, meclizine is less likely to cause sleepiness than dimenhydrinate. In addition, meclizine lasts longer in your body - a single dose of meclizine can last 8 to 24 hours, whereas dimenhydrinate is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours.
              Is meclizine safe for children?
              It depends on your child's age and what condition they're being treated for. Meclizine for motion sickness is approved for children ages 12 years and older. But meclizine (Antivert) for vertigo has only be studied in adults and shouldn't be taken by children. There isn't enough research to know whether meclizine will work well or be safe for children who are younger than these age cut-offs for either condition. Talk with your child's provider if you have a child younger than 12 years old who has motion sickness, or a child under 18 years old who has vertigo.
              Can I take meclizine if I'm pregnant?
              Based on available data, doesn't seem to raise the risk for birth defects or pregnancy complications. Meclizine is actually a recommended treatment option for morning sickness during pregnancy. Ask your provider if you have more questions about meclizine and pregnancy.
              Can I take meclizine if I'm breastfeeding?
              If you're breastfeeding, discuss with your provider about the risks and benefits of taking meclizine. Data shows that taking meclizine every once in a while shouldn't cause harm to your baby or affect your milk supply. But if you're taking higher doses of meclizine or taking it for a long time, there's a risk that your baby might experience side effects, such as sleepiness, and the medication might lower your milk supply.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Meclizine?

              Meclizine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Sleepiness

              • Risk factors: Drinking alcohol while taking meclizine | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Age 65 and older

                Meclizine can make you very sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you are over 65 years old, drink alcohol while taking this medication, or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., benzodiazepines, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, or sleep medications). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

                risk-warning

                Worsening of certain medical conditions

                • Risk factors: Asthma | Glaucoma | Trouble urinating

                  Ask your healthcare provider if it's ok for you to take meclizine if you have asthma, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate gland. Taking meclizine can worsen your condition(s) and lead to more breathing problems, vision problems, or trouble urinating, respectively. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before you start meclizine.

                  dosage

                  Meclizine dosage forms

                  The average cost for 30 tablets of 25mg of Meclizine is $6.93 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 60.14% off the average retail price of $17.39.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  12.5mg30 tablets$8.95$0.30
                  25mg30 tablets$6.93$0.23
                  50mg30 tablets$31.77$1.06

                  Typical dosing for Meclizine

                  Motion sickness (OTC meclizine):

                  • Adults and children age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 25 mg to 50 mg by mouth (or chewed for chewable tablets) once daily. Take it 1 hour before you travel or an activity that can cause motion sickness.

                  • Children age less than 12 years: Ask your child's provider.

                  Vertigo (Prescription meclizine):

                  • Adults and children age 12 years and older (except Antivert, which is used in adults only): The typical dose is 25 mg to 100 mg total per day, split into multiple doses and taken by mouth (or chewed for chewable tablets) throughout the day.

                  More on Meclizine dosage forms

                  Meclizine: woman car nausea 1346932432

                  Meclizine Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

                  Written by Tegan Smedley, PharmD, BCPS, APh
                  interactions

                  Interactions between Meclizine and other drugs

                  Meclizine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Meclizine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  More on Meclizine interactions

                  Health: Meclizine: close up man with pill organizer 1388819968

                  8 Meclizine Interactions You Should Know About

                  Written by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Meclizine cost?

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                  Antivert (brand)
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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Meclizine?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Meclizine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Meclizine
                  Used for:
                  $6.93 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Dimenhydrinate
                  Used for:

                  • Prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, or dizziness from motion sickness

                  $4.51 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
                  Used for:

                  • Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to:

                  $21.69 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  latest news

                  What is the latest news about Meclizine?

                  When morning sickness strikes, expecting parents need fast-acting options to stop the nausea and vomiting. Explore safe nausea medications for pregnancy here.

                  Nausea Medications During Pregnancy: Which Are Safe to Take?

                  When morning sickness strikes, expecting parents need fast-acting options to stop the nausea and vomiting. Explore safe nausea medications for pregnancy here.
                  Seasickness is a common problem people experience on the water. Thankfully, there are medications you can take to relieve symptoms or prevent them.

                  The 5 Best Medications for Seasickness: Dimenhydrinate, Scopolamine, and More

                  Seasickness is a common problem people experience on the water. Thankfully, there are medications you can take to relieve symptoms or prevent them.
                  Motion sickness pills and motion sickness patches are both great options for preventing car and sea sickness. Which is best? Learn more here.

                  Motion Sickness Pills vs. Motion Sickness Patches: Which Works the Best?

                  Motion sickness pills and motion sickness patches are both great options for preventing car and sea sickness. Which is best? Learn more here.
                  Side effects of meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) include dizziness, drowsiness, and headache. Learn more about meclizine side effects and how you can manage them here.

                  7 Meclizine Side Effects You Should Know About

                  Side effects of meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) include dizziness, drowsiness, and headache. Learn more about meclizine side effects and how you can manage them here.
                  The recommended meclizine dosage is 25 mg to 50 mg an hour before traveling. Read here for information on safe meclizine doses and those who should avoid it.

                  Meclizine Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

                  The recommended meclizine dosage is 25 mg to 50 mg an hour before traveling. Read here for information on safe meclizine doses and those who should avoid it.
                  Meclizine may interact with other medicines, including those used to treat anxiety. Meclizine drug interactions can heighten the sedative effects of meclizine.

                  8 Meclizine Interactions You Should Know About

                  Meclizine may interact with other medicines, including those used to treat anxiety. Meclizine drug interactions can heighten the sedative effects of meclizine.
                  Motion sickness is a syndrome that occurs in response to real or perceived motion. Learn the common triggers of motion sickness.

                  7 Ways to Get Rid of Motion Sickness

                  Motion sickness is a syndrome that occurs in response to real or perceived motion. Learn the common triggers of motion sickness.
                  The use of marijuana during pregnancy can have a negative impact on an unborn baby’s health and may trigger serious problems such as growth and developmental issues. There are also risks if breastfeeding. Learn more about the effects of marijuana usage while pregnant. Find out more at GoodRx.

                  What You Should Know About the Effects of Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding

                  The use of marijuana during pregnancy can have a negative impact on an unborn baby’s health and may trigger serious problems such as growth and developmental issues. There are also risks if breastfeeding. Learn more about the effects of marijuana usage while pregnant. Find out more at GoodRx.
                  images

                  Meclizine images

                  White Round Am7 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Am7".White Round Am7 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  Yellow Oval An 442 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  This medicine is Yellow, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "An 442".Yellow Oval An 442 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  White Round C And 25 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "25" And "C".White Round C And 25 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  White Round C And 25 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "25" And "C".White Round C And 25 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  Yellow Oval Tl 121 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  This medicine is Yellow, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Tl 121".Yellow Oval Tl 121 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  Yellow Oval 842 And Ani - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  This medicine is Yellow, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Ani" And "842".Yellow Oval 842 And Ani - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  Yellow Oval 842 And Ani - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  This medicine is Yellow, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Ani" And "842".Yellow Oval 842 And Ani - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  Yellow Oval 1162 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet
                  This medicine is Yellow, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "1162".Yellow Oval 1162 - Meclizine Hydrochloride 25mg Tablet

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Amneal Pharmaceuticals. (2023). MECLIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE- meclizine tablet MECLIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Borowy, C. S., et al. (2023). Antihistamine toxicity. StatPearls.

                  Casper Pharma. (2022). ANTIVERT- meclizine hcl tablet ANTIVERT- meclizine hcl tablet ANTIVERT- meclizine hcl tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  View All References (13)

                  Dramamine. (n.d.). Dramamine® Original Formula.

                  Dramamine. (n.d.). Dramamine All Day Less Drowsy.

                  Drugs and Lactation Database (LActMed). (2021). Meclizine.

                  Houston, B. T., et al. (2022). Meclizine. StatPearls.

                  Medtech products. (2022). DRAMAMINE LESS DROWSY- meclizine hydrochloride tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Mother to Baby | Fact Sheets. (2021). Meclizine. Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS).

                  National Eye Institute. (2022). Glaucoma. 

                  Patel, P. N., et al. (2011). Meclizine: Safety and efficacy in the treatment and prevention of motion sickness. Clinical Medicine Insights: Therapeutics.

                  Patel, R. H., et al. (2022). Biochemistry, histamine. StatPearls.

                  Reliable 1 Laboratories. (2023). MECLIZINE HCL 12.5 MG tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Wang, Z., et al. (20012). Meclizine metabolism and pharmacokinetics: formulation on its absorption. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

                  WellSpring Pharmaceutical Corporation. (2021). BONINE- meclizine hydrochloride tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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