Meclizine
Also known as: Antivert, Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy, Meni-D, Agyrax, Ancolan, Antrizine, Bonamine, Calmonal, Dizmiss, SeaLegs
> **Timing is key**: When using for motion sickness prevention, give the medication **30-60 minutes before travel**. * **Sedation**: This medication commonly causes drowsiness or sleepiness. Do not be alarmed if your pet sleeps during travel. * **Dry Mouth**: It may cause dry mucous membranes. Ensure your pet has access to fresh water. * **Appetite**: Cats may occasionally experience a loss of appetite while taking this medication. * **Allergy Testing**: Inform your veterinarian if your pet is scheduled for allergy skin testing, as this medication must be stopped 3-7 days prior.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- General/Vestibular
- General
- Anti-emetic
- Palliative treatment of vertigo
- Rolling, torticollis, motion sickness (Rabbits)
- Adjunctive treatment of torticollis, head tilt ('wry neck') (Rabbits)
- Supportive treatment of peripheral vestibular disease
- Vestibular suppressant
- Anti-emetic
- Palliative treatment of vertigo
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation
- Dry mucous membranes
- Dry eyes
- Tachycardia
- Contradictory CNS stimulation
- Inappetence (especially in cats)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to meclizine
- Use with caution in patients with prostatic hypertrophy, bladder neck obstruction, severe cardiac failure, angle-closure glaucoma, or pyeloduodenal obstruction. Because it is an antihistamine, it may affect the results of skin tests using allergen extracts; do not use within 3-7 days before testing. May potentially inhibit lactation due to anticholinergic activity.
Drug interactions
- CNS Depressants: Use with other CNS depressants may cause additive sedation
- Anticholinergic Drugs: Other anticholinergic drugs may cause additive anticholinergic effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Meclizine used for in pets?
> **Timing is key**: When using for motion sickness prevention, give the medication **30-60 minutes before travel**. * **Sedation**: This medication commonly causes drowsiness or sleepiness. Do not be alarmed if your pet sleeps during travel. * **Dry Mouth**: It may cause dry mucous membranes. Ensure your pet has access to fresh water. * **Appetite**: Cats may occasionally experience a loss of appetite while taking this medication. * **Allergy Testing**: Inform your veterinarian if your pet is scheduled for allergy skin testing, as this medication must be stopped 3-7 days prior.
Is Meclizine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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