What is meclizine hydrochloride used for?

Meclizine hydrochloride is used to treat vertigo in adults that is caused by diseases affecting the vestibular system.

Can meclizine hydrochloride make me sleepy?

Yes, meclizine hydrochloride may cause drowsiness, so you should be careful when driving or using heavy machinery.

Can I drink alcohol while taking meclizine hydrochloride?

No, you should avoid alcoholic beverages because they can increase the sedative effects of meclizine hydrochloride.

How should I take meclizine hydrochloride chewable tablets?

Chewable tablets must be chewed or crushed completely before you swallow them; do not swallow them whole.

Is meclizine hydrochloride safe to take if I have asthma or glaucoma?

Meclizine hydrochloride should be used with caution in people with asthma, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate gland.

What are the common side effects of meclizine hydrochloride?

Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and vomiting.

Is meclizine hydrochloride safe for elderly patients?

Elderly patients should use meclizine hydrochloride cautiously and typically start at the lowest dose possible.

Meclizine Hydrochloride | CAS 31884-77-2 | KDLHYOMCWBWLMM

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Histamine H1 receptor antagonist

Meclizine hydrochloride is a medication used to treat vertigo caused by problems with the inner ear (vestibular system) in adults. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the body. Because it can cause drowsiness, you should be careful when driving or using machinery, and you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking it.

How it worksMeclizine hydrochloride is thought to work by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the body.

Brand names:ANTIVERT

Used for

Vertigo associated with vestibular system diseases in adults

Conditions

Vestibular system diseases

Class

AntihistamineH1 receptor antagonistHistamine H1 receptor antagonistVestibular systemCentral Nervous System

How to take

FormsTablets (must be swallowed whole), Chewable tablets (must be chewed or crushed completely before swallowing)

RoutesOral

The usual dose is 25 mg to 100 mg per day, taken in split doses.

If using chewable tablets, do not swallow them whole; they must be chewed or crushed first. If using standard tablets, swallow them whole.

Key warnings

·May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
·Avoid alcohol while taking this medication as it can increase drowsiness.
·Use with caution if you have asthma, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate.

Do not use if

·Do not use if you are allergic to meclizine or any of its inactive ingredients.

Side effects

Common

DrowsinessDry mouthHeadacheFatigueVomiting

Serious

·Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
·Blurred vision
·Confusion or delirium
·Suicidal thoughts

Seek help if

·Allergic reaction
·Suicidal thoughts
·Severe confusion

Interactions

·Alcohol and other drugs that cause drowsiness (CNS depressants) can increase sleepiness.
·Medicines that affect the CYP2D6 enzyme may interact with meclizine.

AlcoholAvoid alcohol while taking meclizine hydrochloride as it can increase the sedative effects.

Special populations

PregnancyWhile human studies haven't shown a clear link to major birth defects, studies in pregnant rats showed more malformations at certain doses. The risk for the general population is known, but the specific risk for those taking meclizine is unknown.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of meclizine hydrochloride in children have not been established.

GeriatricOlder adults should use caution and usually start with a lower dose because their liver, kidney, or heart function may be decreased.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Drowsiness
·Dry mouth
·Confusion or delirium

Questions to ask

·Should I take meclizine if I have asthma or glaucoma?
·How will meclizine interact with my other medications?
·What dose is safest for my age?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetMaximum plasma concentrations reached at a median of 3 hours (range 1.5 to 6 hours)

Half-life5-6 hours

MetabolismPrimarily metabolized by the CYP2D6 enzyme in the liver.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

corn starchdibasic calcium phosphatemagnesium stearatepolyethylene glycolsucroseFD&C Blue # 1FD&C Yellow # 6D&C Yellow # 10colloidal silicon dioxideFD&C Red # 40lactose monohydratealcohol anhydrous

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.