Antivert (meclizine
hydrochloride) is an antihistamine. Antivert is effective for
management of nausea and vomiting and dizziness associated with
motion sickness, and possibly effective for management of
vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular
system.
IMPORTANT NOTE:The
following information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your
physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It
should not be construed to indicate that use of Antivert is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before using Antivert.
HOW TO USE ANTIVERT: Take
Antivert 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 Antivert more often than directed.
ANTIVERT 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
ANTIVERT PRECAUTIONS: Contact
your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use
of Antivert in children. Special care may be needed. If you
are taking meclizine on a regular schedule, visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on
your progress.
ANTIVERT
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose of Antivert and are taking Antivert 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.
ANTIVERT 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 any of your medicines. 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.
Antivert may make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum,
sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Visit
your dentist regularly. Antivert 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.
ANTIVERT
STORAGE:
Keep Antivert
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 container tightly closed. Throw
away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Allergies
