From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of Meclizine for managing vertigo or motion sickness is 12.5–25 mg tid, as indicated in the most recent study 1.
Meclizine Dosage
The dosage of Meclizine can vary depending on the condition being treated, but the most recent evidence suggests a dose of 12.5–25 mg tid.
- For motion sickness prevention, the dose is typically taken one hour before travel.
- For vertigo, the dose may be divided into smaller doses throughout the day.
Mechanism of Action
Meclizine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the brain, reducing sensitivity in the inner ear's balance center and decreasing signals to the vomiting center 1.
Side Effects
Side effects of Meclizine may include drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision, so it is essential to avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Availability
Meclizine is available over-the-counter (as Dramamine Less Drowsy or Bonine) or by prescription at higher strengths.
Special Considerations
Elderly patients may need lower doses due to increased sensitivity to side effects, and individual needs may vary, so it is crucial to follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions.
From the FDA Drug Label
2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage is 25 mg to 100 mg daily administered orally, in divided doses, depending upon clinical response. The recommended dose of Meclazine (meclizine) for managing vertigo or motion sickness is 25 mg to 100 mg daily, administered orally in divided doses, depending on the clinical response 2.
- The dosage can be adjusted based on the patient's response to the medication.
- It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions to ensure safe and effective treatment 2 2.
From the Research
Meclizine Dose for Managing Vertigo or Motion Sickness
- The recommended dose of Meclizine (meclizine) for managing vertigo or motion sickness is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, it is mentioned that Meclizine is an antihistamine that has been widely used for prophylactic treatment and management of motion sickness 6.
- A study compared the pharmacokinetics of a new suspension formulation of Meclizine (MOS) versus the marketed Meclizine oral tablet (MOT) and found that the plasma concentration of MOS appeared more rapidly in comparison to the MOT 6.
- The study also found that CYP2D6 was the dominant enzyme for metabolism of Meclizine, and its genetic polymorphism could contribute to the large interindividual variability 6.
- Another study evaluated the effects of TTS-scopolamine, dimenhydrinate, lidocaine, and tocainide on motion sickness, vertigo, and nystagmus, but did not provide information on the dose of Meclizine 7.
- A review of motion sickness management mentioned that antihistamines, including Meclizine, are effective in preventing motion sickness, but did not provide specific dosage information 4.
- A Cochrane review of antihistamines for motion sickness found that antihistamines are probably more effective than placebo at preventing motion sickness symptoms, but did not provide specific dosage information for Meclizine 5.