Who should avoid meclizine?

Understanding Meclizine and Its Precautions
Meclizine is a widely used medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness, as well as for managing vertigo caused by inner ear issues. While it can be effective in alleviating these symptoms, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid using meclizine altogether.
Who Should Avoid Meclizine?
1. Individuals with Allergies: Those who have a known hypersensitivity to meclizine or other antihistamines should refrain from using this medication. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, and it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider if there is any history of such reactions.
2. Pregnant and Nursing Women: Pregnant women should approach meclizine with caution. The potential risks to the fetus must be weighed against the benefits of treatment. Similarly, nursing mothers should consider the effects of the drug on breastfed infants, as meclizine can pass into breast milk.
3. Patients with Certain Medical Conditions: Individuals with specific medical conditions, such as glaucoma, prostate enlargement, or urinary retention, should avoid meclizine. The medication can exacerbate these conditions due to its anticholinergic properties, which may lead to increased intraocular pressure or urinary complications.
4. Elderly Patients: Older adults may be more susceptible to the sedative effects of meclizine, which can increase the risk of falls and related injuries. Therefore, it is advisable for elderly patients to consult their healthcare provider before starting this medication.
5. Those Taking Certain Medications: Meclizine can interact with other medications, particularly central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers. This can enhance drowsiness and impair cognitive function, making it essential for patients on these medications to discuss their use of meclizine with their doctor.
Conclusion
While meclizine can be an effective treatment for motion sickness and vertigo, it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with allergies to the drug, pregnant or nursing women, those with specific medical conditions, elderly patients, and those on certain medications should approach its use with caution. Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure that the benefits of meclizine outweigh any potential risks.

Which medication is not recommended for patients older than 65 years?

• Benadryl and older antihistamines. Antihistamines are used for various conditions, including allergies and sleep problems.
• Sleep medications.
• Muscle relaxers.
• Antispasmodics.
• Seroquel and other antipsychotic medications.
• Tricyclic antidepressants.
• Barbiturates.
• Indomethacin.

Why shouldn’t people over 65 take meclizine?

The American Geriatric Society (AGS) has placed meclizine on the Beers list of medications to avoid in patient over 65 years old because of the strong anticholinergic properties resulting in increased risk of confusion, falls/fractures, and overall mortality.

Does meclizine affect blood pressure?

Meclizine also has been associated with hypotension (low blood pressure) and heart palpitations. This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Can you take Dramamine with high blood pressure medicine?

Interactions between your drugs
Lisinopril and dimenhyDRINATE may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate.

What is the best vertigo medicine for the elderly?

A recent clinical trial reported an equivalence between dimenhydrinate and diazepam in treating acute vertigo in an emergency medicine setting [17]. However, dimenhydrinate induces less sedation than benzodiazepines, and for this reason, it is preferred as initial treatment, especially in the older patient.

What can be mistaken for vertigo?

dizziness. Because vertigo is often associated with nausea, vomiting and a fainting sensation, it is often mistaken with dizziness, according to OSF INI’s Jorge Kattah, MD. Intermixing the two terms is fairly common, even within the medical community.

What conditions can meclizine worsen?

problems urinating. prostate disease. stomach or intestine problems. an unusual or allergic reaction to meclizine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

What can be used instead of meclizine for vertigo?

Last updated on Feb 19, 2024. Treatment for vertigo varies based on its cause and severity. Medications like prochlorperazine, promethazine (Phenergan), meclizine, diphenidol, and scopolamine may be prescribed.

What medications cannot be taken with meclizine?

Meclizine may interact with other medications

• Drugs that treat psychotic disorders, such as haloperidol, fluphenazine, chlorpromazine, olanzapine, clozapine, quetiapine, and risperidone.
• Drugs that treat anxiety, such as lorazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam, diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, paroxetine, and hydroxyzine.

Does meclizine calm anxiety?

Meclizine for anxiety
Meclizine, also an antihistamine, is most often used to treat motion sickness and dizziness. The drug, sold under the brand name Antivert, can also treat nausea and dizziness during panic attacks. However, there is no evidence that meclizine decreases anxiety long term.