Can meclizine worsen BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 10, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Research

Meclizine and BPPV

  • Meclizine is a vestibular suppressant medication that is sometimes used to treat vertigo, but its use in BPPV is not recommended by current guidelines 1.
  • The most efficient management of BPPV is to perform a bedside test (Dix-Hallpike test) and then to treat the patients with a bedside positional (the Epley) maneuver 1, 2, 3.
  • Treatment with meclizine may not be effective in treating BPPV and may even have side effects without therapeutic benefits 1.
  • Studies have shown that the Epley maneuver is effective in treating BPPV, with a high success rate of 92.1% in one study 3.
  • Another study found that patients responded better when treated with the Epley maneuver and Betahistine, with less relapse and recurrence 4.
  • There is no evidence to suggest that meclizine is superior to other treatments for BPPV, and one study found that diazepam and meclizine were equally effective in treating vertigo, but with no significant difference between the two 5.

References

1
Research

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: A practical approach for emergency physicians.

Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, 2023

3
Research

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and its management.

Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2007

Related Questions

What is the next step for a patient with persistent Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) symptoms despite treatment with betahistine (histamine receptor agonist)?
Can we use Cinnarizine for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?
What is the next step in managing a 65-year-old male patient with persistent vertigo, who has been taking meclizine (antihistamine) and prednisone (corticosteroid), and has undergone vestibular therapy and at-home exercises, but still experiences dizziness and intermittent tinnitus?
Are there contraindications to ordering meclizine (antihistamine) for an 80-year-old patient experiencing dizziness?
What to do if a patient with a negative CT (Computed Tomography) scan experiences a heavy head while taking meclizine (antihistamine) for vertigo?
What is hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS)?
Does meclizine (meclizine) affect breast health?
Does meclizine treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (bppv)?
What is the differential diagnosis for a patient with persistent right lower flank pain, worsening over the past month, following a right open nephrectomy 8 months ago, now accompanied by polyuria, polydipsia, and urinary dribbling?
What is the differential diagnosis (Ddx) for a patient with midline to right lower flank pain, which has increased over the past month, and has a history of similar pain since undergoing a right open nephrectomy (surgical removal of a kidney) 8 months ago, presenting with polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and urinary dribbling?
What is the treatment for secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's phenomenon) condition?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question