While this agent may be excreted in breast milk, no problems have been documented in the infant. The CNS depressant effects of meclizine can be potentiated by concurrent use of ethanol or other CNS depressant agents such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants, opiate agonists, skeletal muscle relaxants, and antihistamines. Concurrent use of other anticholinergics can potentiate the anticholinergic effects of meclizine. Antivertigo agents can mask the symptoms of ototoxicity and should be used cautiously with aminoglycosides. Patients on digoxin therapy should be monitored for increased digoxin effects when receiving drugs with anticholinergic activity.
Meclizine can increase the absorption of digoxin by decreasing gastrointestinal motility.
Several less severe side effects have been attributed to meclizine use such as blurred vision, insomnia, tinnitus, constipation, difficulty in urinating, and urinary retention. Most side effects reported with meclizine are attributable to the anticholinergic properties of this drug. Thus, all classic anticholinergic effects are possible. Generic meclizine tablets and capsules are available. Take meclizine tablets or capsules by mouth.