Meclizine

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Meclizine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system in adults. Meclizine hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system in adults ( 1 ).

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended dosage: 25 mg to 100 mg daily, in divided doses ( 2.1 ). Tablets: Swallow whole ( 2.2 ). 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage is 25 mg to 100 mg daily administered orally, in divided doses, depending upon clinical response. 2.2 Administration Instructions Tablets: Meclizine hydrochloride tablets must be swallowed whole.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Meclizine hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to meclizine or any of the inactive ingredients [see Adverse Reactions (6) and Description (11) ]. Meclizine hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to meclizine or any of the inactive ingredients ( 4 ).

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS May cause drowsiness: Use caution when driving a car or operating dangerous machinery ( 5.1 ). Potential anticholinergic action: this drug should be prescribed with care to patients with a history of asthma, glaucoma, or enlargement of the prostate gland ( 5.2 ). 5.1 Drowsiness Since drowsiness may occur with use of meclizine hydrochloride tablets, patients should be warned of this possibility and cautioned against driving a car or operating dangerous machinery. Patients should avoid alcoholic beverages while taking meclizine hydrochloride tablets [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 5.2 Concurrent Medical Conditions Because of its potential anticholinergic action, meclizine hydrochloride tablets should be used with caution in patients with asthma, glaucoma, or enlargement of the prostate gland.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions associated with the use of meclizine hydrochloride were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Anaphylactic reaction, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and vomiting. On rare occasions blurred vision has been reported. Common adverse reactions are anaphylactic reaction, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and vomiting. On rare occasions blurred vision has been reported ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Coadministration of meclizine hydrochloride tablets with other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in increased CNS depression ( 7.1 ). CYP2D6 inhibitors: As meclizine is metabolized by CYP2D6, there is a potential for drug-drug interactions between meclizine hydrochloride tablets and CYP2D6 inhibitors ( 7.2 ). 7.1 CNS Depressants There may be increased CNS depression when meclizine hydrochloride tablets are administered concurrently with other CNS depressants, including alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 7.2 CYP2D6 Inhibitors Based on in-vitro evaluation, meclizine is metabolized by CYP2D6. Therefore, there is a possibility for a drug interaction between meclizine hydrochloride tablets and CYP2D6 inhibitors. Therefore, monitor for adverse reactions and clinical effect accordingly.

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary: Data from epidemiological studies have not generally indicated a drug-associated risk of major birth defects with meclizine during pregnancy. However, in a published study, an increased incidence of fetal malformations was observed following oral administration of meclizine to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis, at doses similar to those used clinically. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Data: Human Data: Epidemiological studies reporting on pregnancies exposed to meclizine have not identified an association between the use of meclizine during pregnancy and an increased risk of major birth defects. Animal Data: In a published study, oral administration of meclizine (25 to 250 mg/kg) to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in a high incidence of fetal malformations. These effects occurred at doses as low as 25 mg/kg, which is approximately 2 times the maximum recommended human dose (100 mg) on a body surface area (mg/m 2 ) basis.