Meclizine oral tablets dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes meclizine oral tablets’ dosage and strengths and gives details on how to take them. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for meclizine. If you want to know more about meclizine oral tablets, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Meclizine oral tablets are a generic version of the brand-name drug Antivert. Meclizine also comes in an over-the-counter form that’s available without a prescription. But that form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about it, talk with your doctor.

Forms and strengths of meclizine

Meclizine comes in these forms and milligram (mg) strengths:

Dosage of meclizine

This article describes the recommended dosage for meclizine oral tablets. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of meclizine oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of meclizine in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of meclizine oral tablets. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the best dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of meclizine oral tablets that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for vertigo

The recommended dosage of meclizine oral tablets for vertigo is:

• Dose: 25–100 milligrams (mg)
• Frequency: taken in smaller divided doses per day

Your doctor will recommend how much to take and how often to take it. Usually, they’ll pick a starting dosage and adjust it as necessary. For example, they may prescribe 25 mg twice a day (for a total of 50 mg per day). They may suggest taking it more often or at a higher dose if you need it.

The recommended maximum dosage is 100 mg per day.

Dosage adjustments for meclizine

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of meclizine oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

• how severe your vertigo is
• your age
• other health conditions you may have
• how your body responds to the starting dosage

Missed dose of meclizine

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of meclizine oral tablets. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of meclizine oral tablets and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about meclizine oral tablets and their dosage.

Do older adults need a lower dosage of meclizine?

Possibly. The drug manufacturer recommends starting at a lower dosage for older adults (65 years and older).

People in this age group may clear the drug from their bodies more slowly than younger adults. This can cause higher levels of meclizine in their system, which can increase the risk of side effects. Older adults also may be more sensitive to side effects such as drowsiness. Starting at a lower dosage can help avoid these problems.

If you’re concerned about taking meclizine oral tablets given your age, talk with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Is meclizine taken long term?

No, doctors don’t typically prescribe meclizine oral tablets as a long-term treatment. Instead, they’re usually recommended for short-term use.

If you have questions about how long you should take meclizine oral tablets, talk with your doctor.

How meclizine is taken

You’ll swallow meclizine oral tablets in divided doses throughout the day.

• If you take the non-chewable oral tablet, you should swallow it whole.
• If you take the chewable tablet, crush or chew it completely and then swallow it. Do not swallow the chewable tablet whole. 

You can take either type of meclizine oral tablets with or without food.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form. You could also ask your doctor about the chewable tablet.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Meclizine coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for meclizine when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Overdose of meclizine

It’s important that you do not take more meclizine than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

What to do if you take too much meclizine

If you think you’ve taken too much meclizine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for meclizine oral tablets. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of meclizine oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take meclizine oral tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes them. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How should I take meclizine oral tablets?
• Will you change my dosage of meclizine oral tablets if my current dosage isn’t working for my condition?
• Would a different dosage of meclizine raise or lower my risk of side effects from the drug?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.