From the Research
Comparison of Meclizine (Antivert) and Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
- Meclizine and Dimenhydrinate are both used to treat motion sickness and vertigo, but they have different mechanisms of action and side effects 1.
- A study comparing Marezine (similar to Meclizine) and Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate) found that they were equally effective in preventing overall motion sickness symptoms, but Marezine was associated with significantly lower scores for gastrointestinal symptoms and less drowsiness 1.
- Another study compared the efficacy of Dimenhydrinate and Metoclopramide in treating nausea and vertigo, and found that both medications had similar efficacy in reducing symptoms 2.
- A study on the central nervous system effects of Meclizine and Dimenhydrinate found that both medications produced changes in mental performance and subjective assessments of sleepiness, but Dimenhydrinate produced greater reductions in digit symbol substitution scores and self-rated sleepiness 3.
- A prospective study compared the Epley maneuver, Betahistine, and Dimenhydrinate in the treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, and found that Dimenhydrinate was effective in reducing symptoms, especially in severe forms of BPPV 4.
Efficacy and Safety
- Dimenhydrinate has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vertigo symptoms, with similar efficacy to Metoclopramide 2.
- Meclizine and Dimenhydrinate have different side effect profiles, with Dimenhydrinate producing more drowsiness and Meclizine producing less 1, 3.
- The fixed combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate has been shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of peripheral vestibular vertigo, with a good safety profile 5.
Clinical Use
- Meclizine and Dimenhydrinate are both used to treat motion sickness and vertigo, but the choice of medication may depend on the specific symptoms and patient factors 1, 3.
- Dimenhydrinate may be preferred in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, while Meclizine may be preferred in patients who are sensitive to drowsiness 1.
- The Epley maneuver, Betahistine, and Dimenhydrinate may be used in combination to treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, especially in severe forms of the condition 4.