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 Meclizine for adults is 25 mg to 100 mg daily, administered orally in divided doses, depending on clinical response 1.
- The dose may 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.
From the Research
The recommended dose of meclizine for adults is typically 25 mg taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed, not exceeding 150 mg in a 24-hour period, as supported by a study published in 2017 2. This dose is commonly used for the treatment of vertigo and motion sickness.
- Meclizine is available in various forms including tablets, chewable tablets, and capsules.
- This antihistamine works by blocking histamine receptors in the brain's vomiting center and inner ear, reducing sensitivity to motion and preventing the nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness and vertigo.
- Common side effects may include drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision, so patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
- Elderly patients may need lower doses due to increased sensitivity to side effects, as meclizine is metabolized by CYP2D6, and its genetic polymorphism could contribute to the large interindividual variability, as found in a study published in 2012 3.
- For motion sickness prevention, it's best to take meclizine 1 hour before travel, and for vertigo or dizziness treatment, the medication can be taken as symptoms occur.
- A study published in 2004 4 compared the efficacy of meclizine with other medications for the treatment of motion sickness, and found that scopolamine was more effective, but meclizine was still a viable option.
- Another study published in 2014 5 found that meclizine decreased the vestibulo-ocular reflex gain, and could be used to alleviate space motion sickness.
- Additionally, a case report published in 2009 6 found that meclizine was effective in treating withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation of transdermal scopolamine therapy.