ANTIVERT

Meclizine is an antihistamine with antiemetic (anti-nausea) and antispasmodic (anti-muscle spasm) activity. It also suppresses the nervous system by blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use for communicating with each other.) Meclizine prevents nausea and vomiting by reducing the activity of the center in the brain that controls nausea. It also prevents motion sickness by reducing excitability of neurons in the motion and balance center (vestibular region) of the brain.

Based on a review of this drug by the National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council and/or other information, FDA has classified the indications as follows:

Effective: Management of nausea and vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.

Possibly Effective: Management of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system.

Final classification of the less than effective indications requires further investigation.

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to meclizine.

Before taking meclizine, tell your doctor if you have asthma or other breathing disorder, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or problems with urination.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old.

Meclizine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of meclizine.

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by meclizine. Avoid taking these other medications at the same time you take meclizine.

Before taking Antivert
You should not take Antivert if you are allergic to meclizine.

Before taking Antivert, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• asthma or other breathing disorder;
• glaucoma;
• an enlarged prostate; or
• problems with urination.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Antivert, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. Antivert is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether meclizine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Antivert without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old.

Side effects of meclizine (Antivert)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Less serious side effects may include:

• blurred vision;
• dry mouth;
• constipation; or
• dizziness, drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.