Antivert

Antivert (Meclizine)

General information

Antivert is an antihistamine that is used to prevent or treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It may also be used to reduce lightheadedness, dizziness, and loss of balance (vertigo) caused by diseases that affect the inner ear. It works by blocking histamine and acetylcholine receptors.

Directions

Take Antivert exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For preventing and treating motion sickness, the standard prescription Antivert dosage is 25 mg to 50 mg taken one hour before embarkation, repeated every 24 hours if necessary. Antivert usually works best if you take it before motion sickness symptoms begin. For treating vertigo, the standard dose is 25 mg to 100 mg total per day, given as two (or more) smaller doses per day. Take Antivert with a full glass of water, with food or on an empty stomach.

Precautions

Before taking Antivert you should talk with your doctor if you have enlarged prostate, difficulty passing urine, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, glaucoma, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), any allergies. This drug may make you drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Contraindications

You should not take Antivert if you are allergic to it, to meclizine hydrochloride, or any of the inactive components of this medication, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not recommended for children under the age of 12 years old.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have vision changes, decreased or painful urination, seizures, rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased appetite, sore throat, weight gain, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), irregular heartbeat, confusion, glaucoma, wheezing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: antihistamines applied to the skin (diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray), antispasmodics (atropine, belladonna alkaloids), drugs for Parkinson's disease (benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), scopolamine, tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), acetylcholinesterase inhibitor medications (galantamine, donepezil), phenothiazine medications (fluphenazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are mental or mood changes, extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness, seizures.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.