Side Effects of meclizine: A Synthesis of Findings from 18 Studies

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This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of meclizine: A Synthesis of Findings from 18 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Meclizine is a medication commonly used for treating motion sickness and vertigo. Research shows that it can be effective in these conditions, but it also comes with certain side effects.

For instance, a study in 3 compared meclizine with another drug (thiethylperazine) in patients experiencing vertigo of different origins. The study found no significant difference in the effectiveness of the two drugs in treating vertigo, gait disturbances, and nausea. However, both drugs were associated with side effects like fatigue and headaches. This study suggests that meclizine could be a suitable alternative to thiethylperazine, particularly for patients at risk of developing chronic dyskinesia with long-term treatment.

Another study in 15 focused on the use of meclizine in older adults experiencing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common cause of vertigo in this age group. The study highlights the potential for significant side effects associated with meclizine in this population, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in managing vertigo in elderly patients.

Furthermore, research in 6 evaluated the effects of various anti-motion sickness drugs, including meclizine, on sleepiness and cognitive performance in healthy males. This study found that meclizine, while not impacting all cognitive functions tested, did show a decrease in accuracy on a working memory task, suggesting a potential effect on short-term memory. Sleepiness was also reported as a side effect.

Reasons for Side Effects

Meclizine is an antihistamine, a class of drugs that act on histamine receptors throughout the body. These receptors are involved in various bodily functions, including those related to the nervous system, digestive system, and blood vessels. By interacting with these receptors, meclizine can lead to side effects.

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness

Drowsiness is a common side effect reported in several studies, such as 8 , 6 , and 2 . This side effect is particularly notable when comparing meclizine to other drugs like transdermal scopolamine, which might cause less drowsiness.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is another side effect reported in some studies, including 8 and 6 . This effect may be due to meclizine's impact on salivary gland function.

Visual Disturbances

Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, are mentioned in several studies, including 6 and 8 . This effect might be caused by meclizine's influence on the muscles controlling eye movement.

Other Side Effects

Other reported side effects include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, unsteadiness, and difficulty in urination, as observed in studies like 3 , 6 , and 8 .

Side Effect Management

Drowsiness

If you experience drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery. Consult your doctor if the drowsiness is severe or concerning.

Dry Mouth

To manage dry mouth, ensure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Visual Disturbances

If you encounter visual disturbances, contact your doctor for advice and potential adjustments to your treatment.

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities between Studies

Several studies consistently show that meclizine can be effective in treating motion sickness and vertigo. Additionally, drowsiness, dry mouth, and visual disturbances are common side effects reported across various research.

Differences between Studies

The specific effects and side effects observed vary between studies. This variation can be attributed to differences in participant demographics, research methodology, and the specific doses and combinations of drugs used.

Considerations for Real-World Application

While meclizine can be helpful for managing motion sickness and vertigo, it's important to be aware of its potential side effects. Consult your doctor before using meclizine, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or concerns. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and inform them about any side effects you experience.

Limitations of Current Research

Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of meclizine, particularly its potential impact on cognitive function and other areas. The availability of safer alternatives and more detailed information about optimal dosage and administration is also crucial.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on investigating long-term side effects, developing safer and more effective alternatives, and optimizing dosage and administration methods for meclizine.

Conclusion

Meclizine is a medication often used for motion sickness and vertigo, but it's important to be mindful of its side effects. Before taking meclizine, consult your doctor to discuss your medical history, any potential risks, and alternative options. If you experience any side effects, seek medical advice immediately.

Literature analysis of 18 papers
Positive Content
16
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
1
Article Type
6
1
2
3
18
1.

Transdermal scopolamine in the treatment of acute vertigo.

Author: BabinR W, BalkanyT J, FeeW E

Effective for vertigo
Side effects

Transdermal scopolamine hydrobromide and meclizine hydrochloride were more effective than placebo in treating acute vertigo. However, both drugs had significant but different side effects.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

2.

Alleviation of induced vertigo. Therapy with transdermal scopolamine and oral meclizine.

Author: SchmittL G, ShawJ E

Reduced vertigo symptoms
Drowsiness

Transdermal scopolamine was found to be more effective than oral meclizine and placebo in reducing vertigo symptoms following caloric irrigation of the external auditory canal. The benefit of transdermal scopolamine persisted over a seven-day treatment period. Oral meclizine was associated with more drowsiness than transdermal scopolamine.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

3.

Comparative investigation between thiethylperazine and meclizine in vertigo of different genesis.

Author: JungertS

Alternative for vertigo treatment
Fatigue
Headache

A study of 40 patients with vertigo found no significant difference in effectiveness between thiethylperazine and meclizine in reducing symptoms of vertigo, gait disturbance, and nausea. Both drugs had similar side effects, including fatigue and headache. The study suggests that meclizine may be a suitable alternative to thiethylperazine, especially for long-term treatment, as it may reduce the risk of chronic dyskinesia.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

5.

Drugs for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults after general anaesthesia: a network meta-analysis.

Author: WeibelStephanie, RückerGerta, EberhartLeopold Hj, PaceNathan L, HartlHannah M, JordanOlivia L, MayerDebora, RiemerManuel, SchaeferMaximilian S, RajDiana, BackhausInsa, HelfAntonia, SchlesingerTobias, KienbaumPeter, KrankePeter

Reduced PONV

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common adverse effect of anesthesia and surgery affecting up to 80% of patients. While various antiemetic drugs are available, further research is needed to determine the most effective drugs with the fewest side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

6.

Evaluation of the effects of anti-motion sickness drugs on subjective sleepiness and cognitive performance of healthy males.

Author: WeertsA P, PattynN, Van de HeyningP H, WuytsF L

Improved cognitive function
Improved sleepiness
Blurred vision
Concentration problems
Confusion
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Insomnia
Sleepiness
Tremors
Vertigo

This study compared the cognitive and side effects of baclofen, meclizine, dimenhydrinate plus cinnarizine, and promethazine plus d-amphetamine in healthy volunteers. The study found that meclizine and dimenhydrinate combined with cinnarizine had the most acceptable combination of side effects.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

7.

Biphasic dosing regimen of meclizine for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in a high-risk population.

Author: BoppEric J, EstradaT Jose L, KildayJeremy M, SpradlingJames C, DanielCarole, PellegriniJoseph E

Postoperative nausea and vomiting reduction

This study explored the effectiveness of meclizine in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in high-risk patients. Meclizine administered the night before and the day of surgery was effective in reducing nausea and vomiting compared to placebo.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

8.

Transdermal hyoscine (Scopolamine). A preliminary review of its pharmacodynamic properties and therapeutic efficacy.

Author: ClissoldS P, HeelR C

Motion Sickness Prevention
Vertigo Treatment
Drowsiness
Dry Mouth
Vision Impairment

Transdermal hyoscine is effective in preventing motion sickness and reducing attacks of vertigo. It has a lower incidence of side effects than oral or parenteral hyoscine.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

9.

Effects of drug countermeasures for space motion sickness on working memory in humans.

Author: PauleMerle G, ChelonisJohn J, BlakeDonna J, DornhofferJohn L

Cognitive impairment

Meclizine showed the best cognitive profile among the tested anti-space motion sickness (SMS) drugs, minimizing negative effects on visual working memory. Scopolamine, promethazine, and lorazepam showed greater cognitive impairments, especially in conjunction with vestibular stimulation.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

10.

Motion-sickness medications for aircrew: impact on psychomotor performance.

Author: PaulMichel A, MacLellanMike, GrayGary

Reduced motion sickness
Neurocognitive effects

Anti-motion-sickness medications can be effective but often have negative cognitive effects, limiting their use in military personnel. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various anti-motion-sickness drugs on psychomotor performance and assess the potential benefits of combining them with pseudoephedrine or amphetamine.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

12.

Evaluation of antimotion sickness drug side effects on performance.

Author: WoodC D, MannoJ E, MannoB R, RedetzkiH M, WoodM J, MimsM E

Motion Sickness Prevention
Performance Decrements

Selected doses and combinations of antimotion sickness drugs, such as d-amphetamine, promethazine and scopolamine, can be used without loss of operational proficiency.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

15.

A Geriatric Perspective on Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

Author: ParhamKourosh, KuchelGeorge A

Vertigo relief
Side effects

This study discusses benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common cause of vertigo in older adults. The study highlights the impact of BPPV on function and quality of life, its prevalence and atypical presentations in older adults, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

16.

Prevention and management of nausea and vomiting with emergency contraception: a systematic review.

Author: RodriguezMaria I, GodfreyEmily M, WardenMeredith, CurtisKathryn M

LNG less nausea
Nausea and vomiting

The evidence does not support routine use of antiemetics with emergency contraception pill use. Data to guide management of emesis with emergency contraception are limited to expert opinion and package labeling.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

17.

Airsickness prevention in helicopter passengers.

Author: EstradaArthur, LeDucPatricia A, CurryIan P, PhelpsShean E, FullerDaniel R

Airsickness treatment

This experiment evaluated the efficacy of four airsickness treatments on soldier performance during simulated helicopter transport. The study replicated the turbulent flight conditions experienced in night troop transport, finding that certain treatments were effective in reducing airsickness and maintaining performance.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

18.

The phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis pathway provides a new target for cancer chemotherapy.

Author: GuanYuan, ChenXinyu, WuManhong, ZhuWan, ArslanAhmed, TakedaSaori, NguyenMindie H, MajetiRavindra, ThomasDan, ZhengMing, PeltzGary

Liver development study

This study examined the early stages of hepatic organoid formation from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The goal was to identify key pathways affecting early liver development.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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