Meclozine/vitamin B6

The 4-methanol form of vitamin B 6 which is converted to pyridoxal phosphate which is a coenzyme for synthesis of amino acids, neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine), sphingolipids, aminolevulinic acid. Although pyridoxine and Vitamin B 6 are still frequently used as synonyms, especially by medical researchers, this practice is erroneous and sometimes misleading (EE Snell; Ann NY Acad Sci, vol 585 pg 1, 1990).

Oral

Motion sickness

Adult: 25-50 mg 1 hr before travelling and repeat 24 hrly if needed.

Child: 2-6 yr 6.25 mg once daily; >6-12 yr 12.5 mg once daily; >12 yr Same as adult dose. Doses are given 1 hr before travelling and repeated 24 hrly if needed.

Oral

Vertigo and vestibular disorders

Adult: 25-100 mg daily in divided doses. Discontinue if there is no response after 1-2 wk of treatment.

Child: ≥12 yr Same as adult dose.

How should I use Meclozine?

There are specific as well as general uses of a drug or medicine. A medicine can be used to prevent a disease, treat a disease over a period or cure a disease. It can also be used to treat the particular symptom of the disease. The drug use depends on the form the patient takes it. It may be more useful in injection form or sometimes in tablet form. The drug can be used for a single troubling symptom or a life-threatening condition. While some medications can be stopped after few days, some drugs need to be continued for prolonged period to get the benefit from it.

Use Meclozine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Meclozine by mouth with or without food.
• For prevention of motion sickness, take Meclozine at least 1 hour before activity or travel.
• Use Meclozine exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor. If you are taking Meclozine without a prescription, follow any warnings and precautions on the label.
• If you miss a dose of Meclozine and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Meclozine.

Meclozine description

A histamine H1 antagonist used in the treatment of motion sickness, vertigo, and nausea during pregnancy and radiation sickness.

Meclozine dosage

Vertigo

For the control of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system, the recommended dose is 25 to 100 mg daily, in divided dosage, depending upon clinical response.

Motion Sickness

The initial dose of 25 to 50 mg of Meclozine should be taken one hour prior to embarkation for protection against motion sickness. Thereafter, the dose may be repeated every 24 hours for the duration of the journey.

How supplied

Meclozine®: 12.5 mg tablets: Bottles of 100 (NDC 0049-2100-66)

Meclozine®/25: 25 mg tablets: Bottles of 100 (NDC 0049-2110-66)

Meclozine®/50: 50 mg tablets: Bottles of 100 (NDC 0049-2140-66)

Distributed by: Roerig Division of Pfizer Inc, NY, NY 10017. October 2012

Meclozine interactions

See also:
What other drugs will affect Meclozine?

The following drug interactions and/or related problems have been selected on the basis of their potential clinical significance (possible mechanism in parentheses where appropriate)—not necessarily inclusive (» = major clinical significance):

Note: Combinations containing any of the following medications, depending on the amount present, may also interact with this medication.

Alcohol or

CNS depression–producing medications, other (concurrent use may potentiate the CNS depressant effects of either these medications or buclizine)

Anticholinergics or other medications with anticholinergic activity (concurrent use with buclizine may potentiate anticholinergic effects)

Apomorphine (prior administration of buclizine may decrease the emetic response to apomorphine)

Meclozine side effects

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Meclozine?

Applies to meclizine: oral capsule, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by meclizine (the active ingredient contained in Meclozine). In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking meclizine:

Incidence not known:

• Cough
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• fast heartbeat
• hives
• itching
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Minor Side Effects

Some of the side effects that can occur with meclizine may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

Rare

• Blurred vision

• Dry mouth
• headache

* Sideroblastic anaemia

* Treatment and prophylaxis of vitamin B6 deficiency states

Meclozine (meclizine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body.

Meclozine is used to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is also used to treat symptoms of vertigo (dizziness or spinning sensation) caused by disease that affects your inner ear.

Meclozine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Pyridoxine is vitamin B6. Vitamins occur naturally in foods such as meat, poultry, nuts, whole grains, bananas, and avocados. Vitamin B6 is important for many processes in the body.

Pyridoxine is used to treat or prevent vitamin B6 deficiency. It is also used to treat a certain type of anemia (lack of red blood cells). Pyridoxine injection is also used to treat some types of seizure in babies.

Pyridoxine taken by mouth (oral) is available without a prescription. Injectable pyridoxine must be given by a healthcare professional.

Pyridoxine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Meclozine?

Meclozine hydrochloride is contraindicated in individuals who have shown a previous hypersensitivity to it.

Contraindications for Vitamin B6 (Vitamin B6)

Vitamin B6 is contraindicated in those hypersensitive to any component of a vitamin B6-containing product.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Pyridoxine tablets are taken by mouth. Injectable pyridoxine is injected into a muscle or into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

The recommended dietary allowance of pyridoxine increases with age. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. You may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database (formerly "Recommended Daily Allowances") listings for more information.

Pyridoxine is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

It is used for the treatment and prevention of vitamin B6 deficiency. It is important for the breakdown of protein, fats, and carbohydrates from foods.

Interactions for Vitamin B6 (Vitamin B6)

Amiodarone: Concomitant use of vitamin B6 and amiodarone may enhance amiodarone-induced photosensitivity reactions. Doses of vitamin B6 greater than 5-10 milligrams/day should be avoided by those taking amiodarone Carbamazepine: Chronic use of carbamazepine may result in a significant decrease in plasma pyridoxal 5-phosphate levels Cycloserine: Cycloserine may react with pyridoxal 5-phosphate to form a metabolically inactive oxime, which may result in a functional vitamin B6 deficiency Ethionamide: The use of ethionamide may increase vitamin B6 requirements Fosphenytoin: High doses of vitamin B6 may lower plasma levels of phenytoin. Fosphenytoin is a prodrug of phenytoin Hydralazine: The use of hydralazine may increase vitamin B6 requirements Isoniazid: (isonicotinic acid, INH). Isoniazid reacts with pyridoxal 5-phosphate to form a metabolically inactive hydrazone, which may result in functional vitamin B6 deficiency Levodopa: Concomitant use of levodopa and vitamin B6 in doses of 5 milligrams or more daily may reverse the therapeutic effects of levodopa. Vitamin B6 does not reverse the therapeutic effects of levodopa if levodopa is taken concurrently with the levodopa decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa. Levodopa is typically administered as a combination product with carbidopa

Oral contraceptives: The use of oral contraceptives may increase vitamin B6 requirements. This was more the case with the older oral contraceptive agents with high-dose estrogen/progestin. It appears to be less the case with the newer low-dose estrogen/progestin products Penicillamine: Penicillamine may react with pyridoxal 5-phosphate to form a metabolically inactive thiazolidine, which may result in a functional vitamin B6 deficiency Phenelzine: Phenelzine may react with pyridoxal 5-phosphate to yield a metabolically inactive hydrazone compound Phenobarbital: High doses of vitamin B6 may lower plasma levels of phenobarbital Phenytoin: High doses of vitamin B6 may lower plasma levels of phenytoin Theophylline: Theophylline may react with pyridoxal 5-phosphate leading to low plasma levels of the coenzyme. This may increase the risk of theophylline-induced seizures Valproic acid: Chronic use of valproic acid may result in a significant decrease in plasma pyridoxal 5-phosphate levels.

Applies to pyridoxine: capsule, injectable, solution, tablet, tablet enteric coated, tablet extended release

As well as its needed effects, pyridoxine (the active ingredient contained in Vitamin B6) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Severity: Moderate

If any of the following side effects occur while taking pyridoxine, check with your doctor or nurse as soon as possible:

With large doses

• Clumsiness
• numbness of hands or feet