From the Research
Comparative Efficacy of Meclizine and Dramamine
- Meclizine and Dramamine are both used to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, including nausea and vomiting 1.
- A study comparing the effectiveness of Meclizine (50 mg) and Dramamine (50 mg) found that both drugs were similarly effective in preventing overall subjective symptoms of motion sickness, but Meclizine was associated with significantly lower scores for gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and less drowsiness than Dramamine 1.
- Another study found that Meclizine was effective in preventing nausea and vomiting associated with the use of emergency contraceptive pills, with a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting compared to a placebo group 2.
- Meclizine has also been shown to be effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in high-risk patients, with a biphasic dosing regimen of 50 mg the night before and on the day of surgery reducing PONV for 24 hours after surgery 3.
- In terms of formulation, a new chewable oral dosage form of Meclizine has been developed, which provides rapid drug absorption and may be more acceptable to patients, especially those suffering from nausea and vomiting 4.
- A dual-function orodissolvable/dispersible Meclizine tablet has also been developed, which provides concomitant rapid and prolonged drug absorption, and may enhance convenience for patients 5.
Key Findings
- Meclizine and Dramamine have similar efficacy in preventing overall subjective symptoms of motion sickness 1.
- Meclizine is associated with fewer GI symptoms and less drowsiness than Dramamine 1.
- Meclizine is effective in preventing nausea and vomiting associated with emergency contraceptive pills and PONV 3, 2.
- New formulations of Meclizine, such as chewable and orodissolvable/dispersible tablets, may provide rapid drug absorption and enhance convenience for patients 4, 5.