Meclizine hydrochloride, a histamine (H1) receptor antagonist, is a white or slightly yellowish, crystalline powder.
Chemically, meclizine hydrochloride is 1-(p-chloro-α-phenylbenzyl)-4-(m-methylbenzyl) piperazine dihydrochloride monohydrate.
Tablets
Inactive ingredients for the tablets are: corn starch; dibasic calcium phosphate; magnesium stearate; polyethylene glycol; sucrose. The 12.5 mg tablets also contain: FD&C Blue # 1. The 25 mg tablets also contain: FD&C Yellow # 6 and D&C Yellow # 10. The 50 mg tablets also contain: FD&C Blue # 1, FD&C Yellow # 6 and D&C Yellow # 10.
Each meclizine hydrochloride 12.5 mg tablet contains 12.5 mg of meclizine dihydrochloride equivalent to 10.53 mg of meclizine free base.
Each meclizine hydrochloride 25 mg tablet contains 25 mg of meclizine dihydrochloride equivalent to 21.07 mg of meclizine free base.
Each meclizine hydrochloride 50 mg tablet contains 50 mg of meclizine dihydrochloride equivalent to 42.14 mg of meclizine free base.
Chewable Tablets
Inactive ingredients for the chewable tablets are: corn starch, colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Red # 40, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, raspberry flavor, saccharin sodium, and talc.
Each meclizine hydrochloride 25 mg chewable tablet contains 25 mg of meclizine dihydrochloride equivalent to 21.07 mg of meclizine free base.
The recommended dosage is 25 mg to 100 mg daily administered orally, in divided doses, depending upon clinical response.
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.
Meclizine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to meclizine or any of the inactive ingredients.
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.
Because of its potential anticholinergic action, meclizine hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with asthma, glaucoma, or enlargement of the prostate gland.
Full Prescribing Information: DailyMed
