Meclizine
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From MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Dosing in kidney impairment
Renal Impairment The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of meclizine has not been evaluated. Because of a potential for drug/metabolite accumulation, meclizine hydrochloride should be administered with caution in patients with renal impairment and in the elderly, as renal function generally declines with age.
Dosing in liver impairment
Hepatic Impairment The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of meclizine has not been evaluated. As meclizine hydrochloride undergoes metabolism, hepatic impairment may result in increased systemic exposure of meclizine. Treatment with meclizine hydrochloride should be administered with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
Preparation and administration
Administration Instructions Tablets Meclizine hydrochloride tablets must be swallowed whole. Chewable Tablets Meclizine hydrochloride chewable tablets must be chewed or crushed completely before swallowing. Do not swallow chewable tablets whole.
Drug interactions
Check meclizine against a medication listLabel text (3 paragraphs)
Coadministration of meclizine hydrochloride with other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in increased CNS depression ( 7.1 ). CYP2D6 inhibitors: As meclizine is metabolized by CYP2D6, there is a potential for drug-drug interactions between meclizine hydrochloride and CYP2D6 inhibitors ( 7.2 ).
7.1 CNS Depressants There may be increased CNS depression when meclizine hydrochloride is administered concurrently with other CNS depressants, including alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
7.2 CYP2D6 Inhibitors Based on in-vitro evaluation, meclizine is metabolized by CYP2D6. Therefore, there is a possibility for a drug interaction between meclizine hydrochloride and CYP2D6 inhibitors. Therefore, monitor for adverse reactions and clinical effect accordingly.
Contraindications
Meclizine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to meclizine or any of the inactive ingredients [see Adverse Reactions (6) and Description (11) ] . Meclizine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to meclizine or any of the inactive ingredients.
Safety data
Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Liver injury (LiverTox)
ELikelihood score E: Unlikely to be a cause of clinically apparent liver injury.
Meclizine is a first generation antihistamine that is used largely to treat vertigo and motion sickness. Meclizine has not been linked to instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.
ABCDEA: well known cause; E: unlikely cause. [HD]: high doses only.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Data from epidemiological studies have not generally indicated a drug-associated risk of major birth defects with meclizine during pregnancy. However, in a published study, an increased incidence of fetal malformations was observed following oral administration of meclizine to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis, at doses similar to those used clinically. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Data Human Data Epidemiological studies reporting on pregnancies exposed to meclizine have not identified an association between the use of meclizine during pregnancy and an increased risk of major birth defects. Animal Data In a published study, oral administration of meclizine (25-250 mg/kg) to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in a high incidence of fetal malformations. These effects occurred at doses as low as 25 mg/kg, which is approximately 2 times the maximum recommended human dose (100 mg) on a body surface area (mg/m2) basis.
Breastfeeding (LactMed)
Occasional doses of meclizine are probably acceptable during breastfeeding. Large doses or more prolonged use may cause effects in the infant or decrease the milk supply, particularly in combination with a sympathomimetic such as pseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established.
Supply and cost
Drug shortage status
Recalls (last 24 months)
Therapeutic equivalence (Orange Book)
Price ladder
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