Meclizine (Antivert)
25 mg
Stop: Call 911 or get emergency help
One-sided face/arm/leg weakness or numbness; trouble speaking or understanding, double/lost vision, or trouble swallowing; worst/new severe headache; cannot sit or walk without falling; fainting, chest pain, or pounding/uneven heartbeat; sudden hearing loss in one ear; head injury; rash/hives or face/lip/tongue swelling or trouble breathing; eye pain/red eye/halos; cannot pee; severe confusion/hallucinations; cannot stay awake.
Seek medical help first
Use this information only if you are unable to contact your provider. Then, contact your provider as soon as possible.
What it may treat & how much to take
- 1
Motion sickness
Queasy stomach, sweating, headache, dizziness or vomiting while traveling; symptoms improve when motion stops.
Take 1 tablet 1 hour before travel. Repeat 1 tablet every 24 hours while still traveling.
- 2
Vertigo: the room is spinning
Feels like the room or head spins even when still; may cause nausea, vomiting, or unsteadiness. No weakness, slurred speech, or vision trouble.
Take 1 tablet every 6–8 hours as needed. Max 4 tablets in 24 hours. Use for 2–3 days only.
- 3
Inner-ear illness: bad spinning
Sudden strong spinning lasting hours to days, severe nausea, and trouble walking straight; may start after a cold.
Take 1 tablet every 6–8 hours as needed. Max 4/day for 2–3 days. Sip fluids. If you cannot keep fluids down: ondansetron 1 tablet every 8 hours as needed (max 3/day).
How to use this medication
With or without food. Swallow a regular tablet whole with water. For motion sickness, take it 1 hour before travel. Waiting until you feel sick works much less well.
Important information
If spinning is not better after 3 days, or gets worse at any time, get medical care. Falls are a real risk. Sit or lie down when dizzy; stand slowly and hold on to something.
Common side effects
Sleepiness (most common), dry mouth, headache, tiredness, vomiting, and rarely blurry vision. It can make you sleepy. Do not drive, ride a bicycle, motorcycle or scooter; swim; dive; or use tools or machinery until you know how it affects you.
Do not take it
If you are allergic to Antivert (meclizine). If you are taking other medications that make you drowsy, such as anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxers, diphenhydramine, or opioids. DO NOT take with alcohol.
Ask your provider or pharmacist first if
You have glaucoma; trouble peeing or an enlarged prostate; asthma/breathing problems; or liver or kidney problems. If you are 65 or older, call a doctor before taking it if you can.
If pregnant or breastfeeding
Call a doctor first if you can. Human studies have not shown more birth defects, but information is limited. It is unknown if it passes into breast milk. Use only if really needed and you cannot reach a doctor.