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Antivert
Antivert is an antihistamine medication approved to treat vertigo and to treat and prevent motion sickness. When used for motion sickness or vertigo, this drug requires a prescription. However, there are over-the-counter versions available for motion sickness only. The medicine comes in tablet form and is typically taken once or twice a day.
Antivert® (meclizine hydrochloride) is a medication used to treat vertigo and to treat and prevent motion sickness. It is available both with a prescription (for motion sickness or vertigo) or without a prescription (for motion sickness only).
(Click Antivert Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Antivert belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines, meaning that it blocks histamine receptors. However, it probably works for motion sickness by blocking acetylcholine receptors (by its "anticholinergic" activity).
Some general considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once or twice a day.
- It does not matter if you take Antivert with food or on an empty stomach. If the medication seems to bother your stomach, try taking it with a little food.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
The dose of Antivert your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to Antivert
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Antivert Dosage for more information.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD