From the FDA Drug Label
The recommended dosage is 25 mg to 100 mg daily administered orally, in divided doses, depending upon clinical response. The available tablet strengths are 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg. To determine the maximum number of tablets a patient can take daily, we need to consider the maximum recommended dose of 100 mg.
- For 12.5 mg tablets: 100 mg / 12.5 mg = 8 tablets
- For 25 mg tablets: 100 mg / 25 mg = 4 tablets
- For 50 mg tablets: 100 mg / 50 mg = 2 tablets Therefore, a patient can take up to 8 tablets of 12.5 mg meclizine, up to 4 tablets of 25 mg meclizine, or up to 2 tablets of 50 mg meclizine daily for a 1-month ship tour for sea sickness, depending on the tablet strength and clinical response 1, 1, 1.
From the Research
For sea sickness during a 1-month ship tour, adults can typically take up to 4 tablets of meclizine (25mg each) daily, for a maximum daily dose of 100mg, as supported by the most recent study 2 which suggests meclizine's safety and efficacy in preventing seasickness. The recommended regimen is 1 tablet (25mg) one hour before travel, then 1 tablet every 24 hours for the duration of the journey as needed. For severe symptoms, the dose can be increased to 2 tablets (50mg) initially, followed by 1-2 tablets every 24 hours, not exceeding 4 tablets daily. Meclizine works by suppressing signals in the inner ear that cause nausea and dizziness during motion. Some key points to consider when taking meclizine for sea sickness include:
- Side effects may include drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision, so caution should be exercised when performing tasks requiring alertness 3.
- Long-term use for a month is generally considered safe, but it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before extended use, especially for those with glaucoma, prostate problems, or certain other medical conditions.
- Taking the medication with food can help reduce stomach upset.
- A study comparing seven commonly used agents for prophylaxis of seasickness found that meclizine was effective in preventing seasickness, although the study did not provide specific dosage recommendations 4. It's essential to note that while meclizine is effective in preventing seasickness, it may not completely eliminate the risk of seasickness, and other measures such as watching the horizon, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy meals can also help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, a recent study found that meclizine may be an appropriate option for divers suffering from seasickness who plan on diving using pure oxygen rebreather systems, as it does not significantly affect the latency to central nervous system oxygen toxicity seizures 2.