Meclizine Hydrochloride
Also sold as BONINE, Meclizine Hydrochloride
From 4 official FDA drug labels · RxNorm 995624
What it is used for
These are the uses the FDA has approved for this label. Using it for anything else is “off-label”: ask your prescriber why.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Meclizine hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system in adults. Meclizine hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system in adults.
How to take it
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended dosage: 25 mg to 100 mg daily, in divided doses ( 2.1 ). Tablets: Swallow whole ( 2.2 ). Chewable Tablets: Must be chewed or crushed before swallowing; do not 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. Chewable Tablets Meclizine hydrochloride chewable tablets must be chewed or crushed completely before swallowing. Do not swallow chewable tablets whole.
Do not take it if
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Meclizine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to meclizine or any of the inactive ingredients [see Adverse Reactions (6) and Description (11) ] . Meclizine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to meclizine or any of the inactive ingredients.
Serious warnings and precautions
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, 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 [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 5.2 Concurrent Medical Conditions Because of its potential anticholinergic action, meclizine hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with asthma, glaucoma, or enlargement of the prostate gland.
Common side effects
From the label’s clinical-trial and reporting data. Serious problems are under the warnings above.
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 Rising Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-866-562-4597 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Taking it with other medicines or alcohol
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Coadministration of meclizine hydrochloride 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 and CYP2D6 inhibitors ( 7.2 ). 7.1 CNS Depressants There may be increased CNS depression when meclizine hydrochloride is 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 and CYP2D6 inhibitors. Therefore, monitor for adverse reactions and clinical effect accordingly.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
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 2-4% and 15-20%, 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 (25-250 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/m2) basis.
Forms and strengths available
From RxNorm. Which forms and strengths are actually stocked varies by pharmacy and country.
Reactions people have reported
These are counts from 11 voluntary reports to the FDA. They show what has been reported — they are not how common a side effect is, and they do not prove the medicine caused it.
Recalls
Research & studies
Recent higher-quality studies about Meclizine Hydrochloride, from PubMed. We link to the source — titles only. This is not medical advice.
Similar medicines
Meclizine Hydrochloride belongs to the Piperazine derivatives class. Other medicines in it:
Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist
- Is this the right medicine for my condition, and how long should I take it?
- What side effects should I watch for, and which ones need urgent attention?
- Does this interact with my other medicines, supplements, or alcohol?
- What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much?
Why you can trust this
Everything above comes from official FDA drug labels (openFDA), not written by us. Here are the exact labels used.
- FDA labelWellSpring Pharmaceutical Corporation· version 2· published Mar 21, 2025· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed
- FDA labelBryant Ranch Prepack· version 103· published Aug 20, 2025· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed
- FDA labelQPharma Inc· version 6· published Dec 3, 2025· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed
- FDA labelAphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC· version 2· published Jun 10, 2024· retrieved Oct 19, 2026· View this label on DailyMed