Antivert (Meclizine)

Antivert (Meclizine) Information

Antivert is a medicine containing Meclizine as the active ingredient. Meclizine falls under the anti-emetics and antihistamine group of drugs. It is mostly prescribed for treating motion sickness and vertigo.

Uses

Antivert blocks histamine receptors in the body and prevents the natural histamines of our body from functioning. By blocking histamines' effect, Antivert can treat and prevent the symptoms of vomiting, nausea, and dizziness that comes with motion sickness. ‘

Antivert is also indicated in a condition called vertigo, which is characterized by lightheadedness, spinning, a loss of balance, and dizziness due to inner ear problems (vestibular system).

Dosage

For preventing motion sickness, the recommended adult dose of Antivert is 25 to 50 mg, taken orally 1 hour before the journey. If needed, repeat the dose, 24 hours after the first one.

For vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system in adults, 25 to 100 mg of Antivert is given orally in a single or divided dose daily.

Side Effects

Along with the said effects, Antivert may show some unwanted side-effects as well.

Check with your physician if one or more of the following effects occur: Cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, anaphylactoid reaction, hives, itching, skin rash, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, tightness in the chest, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.

Side-effects like blurred vision, dry mouth, or headache might also occur but they go away as your body adjusts to the medication and thus does not need emergency medical attention.

Precautions

• Inform your physician about any preexisting allergies you might have. This includes even the inactive components present in the medicine.
• Inform your physician or pharmacist if you are allergic to Meclizine or any other antiemetic or anti-histamine agents.
• Before undergoing any surgical procedure, inform your doctor about all the medications you have and are currently taking.
• Before taking Antivert, inform your physician or pharmacists of any medical history you might have, especially if you have had asthma, emphysema, glaucoma, cardiovascular problems, hypertension, seizures, hyperthyroidism, stomach ulcers, prostate problems, liver and kidney disorders.
• One of the side-effects of Antivert is it can make you drowsy. Do not consume alcohol or marijuana, as it can exacerbate those effects. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery if you feel lightheaded or drowsy.
• In children, Antivert may increase excitement instead of drowsiness.
• In children below 12 years of Anti-vert is recommended for use.
• The elderly might be more susceptible to drowsiness, so caution is recommended.
• Antivert falls under pregnancy category B and should be used during pregnancy only if clearly necessary.
• It is not known whether Antivert passes into breast milk or not.
• Antivert may cause drug-drug interaction with antispasmodics (e.g., atropine, belladonna alkaloids), drugs for Parkinson's disease (e.g., anticholinergics such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), scopolamine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, trazodone). Inform your pharmacist if you are currently under the prescription of any of the aforementioned drugs.

Storage

Store Antivert tightly closed in the container, at room temperature, away from light or moisture. Keep away from the reach of children.

Do not dispose of the drug by throwing it in the sink or flushing it in the toilet. Contact your pharmacist for disposal options.

Antivert Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will Antivert make you sleepy?

Antivert has the side-effect of causing drowsiness and tiredness, making you feel sleepy.

2. Will Antivert help with anxiety?

Antivert has been prescribed for vertigo and motion sickness. However, no evidence for efficacy in anxiety has been found till now.

3. Will Antivert lower blood pressure?

Yes. Antivert can lower your blood pressure.