Antivert (meclizine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body.
Antivert is used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is also used to treat symptoms of vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation) caused by disease that affects your inner ear.
Antivert may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not take Antivert if you are allergic to meclizine.
Before you take Antivert, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or urination problems.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Antivert.
Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Antivert.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Antivert if you are allergic to meclizine.
To make sure Antivert is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
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liver disease;
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kidney disease;
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asthma;
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glaucoma;
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enlarged prostate; or
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urination problems.
FDA pregnancy category B. Antivert is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether meclizine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Antivert should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.
How should I take Antivert?
Take Antivert as exactly directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
To prevent motion sickness, take Antivert about 1 hour before you travel or engage in activity that causes motion sickness. You may take meclizine once every 24 hours while you are traveling, to further prevent motion sickness.
To treat vertigo, you may need to take Antivert several times daily. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
This medication can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Antivert.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Antivert is sometimes taken only when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Antivert.
Antivert side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Antivert: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common Antivert side effects may include:
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headache;
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vomiting;
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dry mouth;
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tired feeling; or
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drowsiness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Antivert?
Taking Antivert with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can increase these effects. Ask your doctor before taking Antivert with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Antivert, especially:
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cinacalcet;
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quinidine;
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terbinafine; or
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the antidepressants bupropion, duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline.
Other drugs may interact with Antivert, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now, and any medicine you start or stop using.
