Meclozine

What is meclozine?

• Meclozine is used for nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick) caused by motion sickness. 
• It works by blocking certain chemicals (histamine) in the brain that cause nausea and vomiting.
• Meclozine is available as tablets, and in New Zealand, meclozine can be purchased from a pharmacy without a prescription. 

Dose

• The usual dose of meclozine is 2 tablets (25 milligrams) once a day.
• Some people may need higher doses, up to 4 tablets once a day.
• For motion sickness, it should be taken the night before travel or 1 hour before travel.
• Although you can wait to take meclozine when the feeling of sickness start, it does not work as well.   

How to use meclozine

• Take meclozine with a glass of water.
• You can take it with or without food. 
• Limit drinking alcohol while you're are taking meclozine. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness.
• If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.    

Side effects

Like all medicines, meclozine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects go away once your body gets used to the new medicine.

Drowsiness

Meclozine can make some people feel drowsy, sleepy or tired. You can drive while taking meclozine, but do not drive until you know how the medication affects you.

Dizziness 

Meclozine can also make you feel dizzy and can cause blurred vision. If it affects you this way, do not drive or operate machinery. 

Other side effects

Interactions

When certain medications are taken together, an unintended reaction may occur – this is known as an interaction. Meclozine can interact with a number of important medications and herbal supplements so check with your doctor or pharmacist.