Meclizine for nausea: what to know

Meclizine is an antihistamine that dampens signals between the inner ear and the brain. That action can ease nausea, spinning sensations and vomiting linked with motion or vestibular disturbance. Nausea can also accompany acid reflux, gastritis, food poisoning, gastroenteritis, gallstones, heat exhaustion, hepatitis A or low blood sugar, and meclizine will not correct those problems.

Common effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, blurred vision or reduced coordination. Older adults may be more sensitive to confusion or difficulty passing urine. Alcohol, sleeping tablets and other sedating medicines can intensify drowsiness.

Use meclizine only as directed on the package or by a clinician, and do not take extra doses because nausea continues. Avoid driving, cycling, swimming alone or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Take small sips of clear fluid and choose light foods when tolerated; repeated vomiting can cause dehydration.

Tell a pharmacist or clinician about pregnancy, glaucoma, prostate or bladder problems, asthma, liver disease, regular medicines and allergies before using it. Keep the product away from children and check the active ingredient before combining cold, allergy or travel-sickness products.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or persistent abdominal pain, chest pain, fainting, confusion, a stiff neck, severe headache, blood or green material in vomit, or signs of serious dehydration such as very little urine and marked weakness. Get prompt advice if nausea follows a head injury, occurs with yellowing of the skin, or prevents you keeping fluids down.

Ask whether meclizine fits the likely cause of your nausea, how long to try it, which medicines or conditions make it unsuitable, and what hydration plan to follow if vomiting continues.