MECLIZINE DRUG INFO

HOW TO USE: Take Meclizine tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water (chewable tablets can be chewed or swallowed whole). If you are using meclizine to prevent motion sickness, take the dose at least 1 hour before travel. If meclizine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: fainting spells; fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): blurred vision; constipation; difficulty passing urine; difficulty sleeping; drowsiness, dizziness; dry mouth; headache; stomach upset.

PRECAUTIONS: If you are taking Meclizine on a regular schedule, visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get dizzy, drowsy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Meclizine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness; avoid alcoholic drinks.

Meclizine may make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Visit your dentist regularly.

Meclizine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your ophthalmologist if the problem does not go away or is severe.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Alcohol; barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions); certain antibiotics given by injection; digoxin; medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam or temazepam; medicines for hay fever and other allergies; medicines for mental depression; medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems; medicines for pain; medicines that relax skeletal muscle.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting Meclizine.

NOTES: Prescriber needs to know if you have any of these conditions: asthma; glaucoma; prostate trouble; stomach problems; urinary problems; an unusual or allergic reaction to meclizine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; breast-feeding.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose of Meclizine and are taking meclizine on a regular schedule, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

STORAGE: Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep Meclizine container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.