Restine

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Restine

Method of action: Antiemetic

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Restine

Restine is an orally administered combination product formulated to manage specific types of sensory disturbances, particularly those involving balance and the vomiting reflex. Its therapeutic capacity is derived from the synergistic action of its two active ingredients: Meclozine (a synthetic compound) and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (a form of Vitamin B₆).

Quick Facts
Active Ingredients Meclozine, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Form Oral tablet
Pharmacological Class Antihistamine (H₁) and Vitamin (B₆ group)
General Purpose Relief of vertigo and nausea
Origin Synthetic (Meclozine) and Vitamin (B₆)

What Type of Medicine is Restine and What is it Made Of?

Restine belongs to two major pharmacological classes simultaneously, which is a key differentiator from single-ingredient treatments. The primary component, Meclozine, is classified as a first-generation antihistamine and a piperazine derivative, widely recognized for its potent antiemetic and anti-vertigo properties. The second component, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, is the acid salt of Pyridoxine, a vital water-soluble vitamin and essential nutrient (Vitamin B₆) required for numerous metabolic functions, including neurotransmitter synthesis. The product is prepared as a solid oral tablet for systemic use. The pairing of these components is clinically recognized for providing dual-action relief.

What is the General Purpose of Restine?

The general purpose of Restine is to help stabilize the body and provide relief from symptoms associated with disturbances of the vestibular and gastrointestinal systems. The mechanism focuses on mitigating conditions such as vertigo, generalized nausea, and vomiting by acting centrally in the brain. Meclozine functions by dampening over-activity in the vestibular system—the inner ear's balance structure—and blocking the central histamine and cholinergic pathways that trigger sickness signals. Research has established the antiemetic properties of Meclozine, particularly for motion sickness and vertigo. The Pyridoxine component is included to support the neurological function underpinning the control of these reflexes. This dual mechanism is targeted toward restoring comfort and stability when these sensory systems are compromised.

What side effects are possible with Restine?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information: Restine (Guanfacine Extended-Release)

Restine (guanfacine extended-release) is associated with dose-related effects primarily involving the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, according to regulatory data.

System-Organ Class Most Common Adverse Reactions (occurring in 5% and 2 imes placebo rate)
Central Nervous System Somnolence, fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, insomnia, sedation
Cardiovascular Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Gastrointestinal Nausea, abdominal pain

Serious and Clinically Significant Adverse Reactions

Caution is required due to the potential for significant adverse events. These include Hypotension, Bradycardia (slow heart rate), and Syncope (fainting), particularly upon initiation or dose increase. Patients with a history of heart block or other cardiovascular issues require caution. Blood pressure and heart rate must be measured before starting treatment, following dose changes, and periodically throughout therapy.

Restrictions and Withdrawal

  • Abrupt Discontinuation: Sudden cessation of Restine can lead to a withdrawal syndrome characterized by Rebound Hypertension (a rapid and clinically significant increase in blood pressure above the original baseline), along with symptoms like nervousness, confusion, and agitation. The dose must be tapered gradually under professional guidance.
  • Dosing Restriction: The extended-release tablets must not be crushed, chewed, or broken before swallowing, as this alters the release profile. The medication should not be taken with high-fat meals, which can increase the drug's exposure in the body.
  • Drug Interactions: Due to the risk of additive sedative effects, caution is advised when using Restine concurrently with other Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant drugs. Adjustments may also be needed with strong inhibitors or inducers of the CYP3A4 enzyme system.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Restine Overdose and When to Seek Help

Restine (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine that affects the central nervous system. Taking more than the prescribed dose, especially when combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, can lead to an overdose. Overdose symptoms are typically an exaggeration of the drug's intended effects and side effects.

Common Signs of Restine Overdose

Symptom Category Specific Manifestations
Central Nervous System Drowsiness, confusion, extreme sleepiness, impaired coordination, unsteadiness, or loss of balance.
Severe / Life-Threatening Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing (respiratory depression), limp muscles, loss of consciousness (coma).

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

An overdose is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately if you or someone else experiences any of the severe signs, particularly slow or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness, or loss of consciousness. Always seek medical advice if an overdose is suspected, even if the person seems relatively stable, as symptoms can worsen rapidly.

Immediate medical intervention is critical for managing life-threatening complications, such as respiratory depression, and for professional monitoring of vital signs.

Therapeutic Uses of Restine

What Restine Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Restine is generally applied in contexts where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed, applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required. Its application plays a role in managing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, such as distressing symptoms. Pharmacologic support is considered relevant in contexts involving heightened systemic burden.

This assistance is commonly used across conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms and fluctuating manifestations, which are situations where patients may experience temporary functional strain.

“Restine is applied in addressing symptom clusters that may appear suddenly or fluctuate, and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.”

One therapeutic use is to provide support that helps ease the overall symptom burden in episodes marked by increased discomfort or tension. It is applied when symptoms escalate temporarily, offering symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes.


Quick Fact: Relevant for Fluctuating Symptoms


Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Restine?

The official eligibility profile for Restine is defined by regulatory documents that specify both absolute exclusions and conditional use populations.


Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated

Restine is formally contraindicated in individuals with a documented hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to the active ingredient meclizine or to any other component in the formulation.

Age-Related Eligibility and Limitations

  • Adults without specific restrictions are eligible for standard use.
  • Pediatric Use: Use is not recommended for children under 12 years of age, as the safety and effectiveness of the medicine have not been established in this population by regulatory studies.
  • Geriatric Use: Use requires caution in older adults, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased cardiac, renal, or hepatic function.

Condition-Specific Eligibility Restrictions

Use requires caution in patients with certain pre-existing conditions, which are documented in the official labeling:

  • Comorbidities: Patients with Glaucoma, Asthma, or Enlargement of the Prostate Gland (BPH) require caution.
  • Organ Impairment: Caution is also required for patients with Hepatic (Liver) or Renal (Kidney) Impairment, due to the potential for drug accumulation.

Pregnancy and Lactation Eligibility Status

  • Pregnancy: The active component is classified as Category B; use is only permitted if the regulatory necessity is clear.
  • Lactation: Caution is required as it is not established whether the medicine is excreted into human milk.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for Restine (Meclozine and Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) focuses on additive effects and metabolic interference documented in government regulatory sources. Co-administration with other Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants, including tranquilizers and sedatives, may result in increased CNS depression due to the effects of Meclozine. This additive effect is also documented to occur with concurrent use of alcohol.

Documented Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Interaction Type Interacting Substance/Class Official Regulatory Outcome
Pharmacodynamic CNS Depressants (including alcohol) Increased CNS depression.
Metabolic Potential CYP2D6 Inhibitors Potential for increased Meclozine exposure.
Efficacy Reduction Levodopa Pyridoxine decreases Levodopa plasma levels.
Efficacy Reduction Cisplatin Pyridoxine decreases the effects of Cisplatin.

Furthermore, regulatory information notes that Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) can intensify the anticholinergic and adverse CNS effects of antihistamines. A known formal contraindication is hypersensitivity to Meclozine or any component of the product. The interaction with Meclozine's CYP2D6 pathway also introduces a population-specific consideration, as genetic polymorphism in CYP2D6 can result in variable systemic exposure, which may necessitate monitoring.

Mechanism of Action

Restine is a small molecule that modulates the activity of osteoclasts to restrict the rate of bone resorption.

Mechanistically, Restine acts as a specific inhibitor of the vacuolar H^+-ATPase ( V-ATPase) enzyme. This V-ATPase is located predominantly within the ruffled border of the osteoclast cell membrane. The V-ATPase is critical for pumping protons ( H^+) into the resorption lacuna.

Inhibition of this enzyme system results in the decoupling of the pH gradient that is normally maintained by the V-ATPase. This prevents the necessary local acidification of the extracellular space adjacent to the bone surface. Consequently, this prevents the osteoclast-mediated dissolution of the mineralized bone matrix, a system-level physiological modulation that results in reduced bone resorption.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Restine

Restine is an orally administered product containing Meclizine and Pyridoxine, and its use is strictly guided by instructions detailing dose, frequency, and duration.


Administration and Dosage Regimens

Restine is intended solely for oral administration. The specific route and form are crucial: non-chewable tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or broken, while chewable tablets must be chewed completely before ingestion. The tablets can be taken with or without food.

The official instructions for the Meclizine component define distinct dosing patterns. For managing vertigo, the standard daily dosage ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg, administered in divided doses. When used for motion sickness, an initial dose of 25 mg to 50 mg is taken one hour prior to travel, and subsequent doses may be repeated every 24 hours as needed. In combination regimens, the total daily dose of the Meclizine component should not exceed 50 mg for certain indications.


Official Use Constraints

Constraint Type Official Instruction
Duration Treatment duration should be limited to the shortest possible time necessary for symptomatic control.
Older Adults Dosing requires caution, with administration typically starting at the low end of the therapeutic range.
Organ Function Administration requires caution in patients with renal (kidney) or hepatic (liver) impairment.
Pediatric Use The medicine is not recommended for children younger than 12 years due to unestablished safety and efficacy.

The usage protocol mandates adherence to these constraints to standardize administration and control exposure.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Restine


Evidence for use in Vertigo of Vestibular Origin

Research on the core component, Meclozine, was studied for research exploring how symptoms change over time related to vestibular vertigo that stem from inner ear (vestibular) disturbances. The evidence base includes short-term, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative studies that research examined in adult populations experiencing conditions like Meniere's disease or labyrinthitis. These trials explored outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, such as symptom intensity or variability.

Studies reported patterns observed in the data related to how symptoms evolved in the studied populations over brief treatment durations. The Meclozine component was evaluated in settings with varying symptom burdens.

The existing evidence is largely derived from studies focusing on Meclozine as a single agent. There are limited data specifically supporting the unique effects of the Meclozine-Pyridoxine combination product for this indication.


Evidence for use in Motion Sickness

The Meclozine component was evaluated in research contexts exploring acute symptom patterns related to motion sickness. These studies involved controlled research contexts where healthy adult volunteers were exposed to movement intended to cause symptoms. Research monitored outcomes related to physical discomfort, focusing on the onset and duration of the pharmacological action, and the occurrence of symptoms like nausea and vomiting during the exposure event.

Comparative evidence is lacking regarding the specific findings for the dual-component product (Meclozine and Pyridoxine) over Meclozine alone for motion sickness. The follow-up durations were limited to the acute event, meaning long-term effects are not fully established in this context.


Evidence for use in Nausea and Vomiting (General and Pregnancy-Related)

Research has explored the roles of both the Meclozine component and the second component, Pyridoxine (Vitamin B₆), in addressing nausea and vomiting. Pyridoxine was evaluated in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, particularly for its use in conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms like Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP).

Findings suggested that Pyridoxine supplementation, sometimes alone but often in combination with a different antihistamine (Doxylamine), was associated with measured changes in validated nausea and vomiting symptom scales.


Key Evidence Gaps and Areas of Research Uncertainty

A significant gap is the comparative evidence is lacking specifically for the unique combination product (Meclozine and Pyridoxine). Most high-quality data stem from studies of the components individually or Pyridoxine combined with Doxylamine. Furthermore, sample sizes were modest and follow-up durations were limited in many of the older trials. This means evidence exploring how symptoms change over time on a long-term basis remains limited.

Key Studies & References

  1. Diazepam and Meclizine Are Equally Effective in the Treatment of Vertigo: An Emergency Department Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Restine (FAQ)


Q: What is Restine used for?

Restine is a prescription medication primarily used to manage acute anxiety states and short-term insomnia that is severe, disabling, or causing unacceptable distress. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by slowing down activity in the brain to provide a calming effect.


Q: How should I take Restine?

Always take Restine exactly as your doctor has told you. The dose depends on your specific condition, age, and response to treatment. Generally, it is taken orally as a tablet. For insomnia, it is usually taken just before bedtime. For anxiety, it may be taken up to three times a day. Do not change your dose or stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.


Q: Can Restine be taken long-term?

Restine is generally recommended for short-term use only, typically for two to four weeks, including the period where the dose is gradually reduced. Long-term use or high doses can increase the risk of developing dependence (addiction) and tolerance (where the drug is less effective over time), especially if used for more than four weeks.


Q: What are the common side effects of Restine?

Common side effects often relate to the drug's sedative effects and may include drowsiness, sedation, fatigue, and dizziness. Some people may also experience impaired coordination or muscle weakness. These effects are usually most noticeable at the beginning of treatment and often lessen with continued use. If side effects are severe or persistent, speak to your doctor.


Q: What should I avoid while taking Restine?

It is crucial to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Restine, as this can significantly increase the sedative effects and cause dangerously deep drowsiness or breathing problems. You should also avoid or be cautious when driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Restine affects you, due to the risk of drowsiness and reduced alertness. Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially other sedatives or pain relievers, as these can interact with Restine.


Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Restine?

If you miss a dose of Restine, do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed. If you are taking it regularly for anxiety, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose. If you are taking it for insomnia, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time the following night. If you are unsure, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How should Restine be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Restine

Restine (Meclizine, Pyridoxine HCl) must be stored and disposed of according to official regulatory conditions to maintain stability and ensure safety.


Storage Requirements

Store the medication at controlled room temperature, specifically 25 C (77 F), with excursions permitted up to 30 C (86 F). The tablets must be kept in their original container and must be protected from light and excess moisture by ensuring the container is tightly closed.

Storage is prohibited in environments subject to extremes, such as a hot car glove compartment or a high-humidity area like a bathroom. All medication must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.


Disposal Instructions

Disposal should ideally be done through an authorized drug take-back program. If no take-back option is available, the tablets must not be flushed. Instead, remove the tablets from the container, mix them with an unappealing substance, such as dirt or used coffee grounds, and place the mixture in a sealed bag or container for disposal in the household trash.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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