MECLIZINE

antihistamine used as an antiemetic (to combat nausea) in the treatment of motion sickness. It is also used in the symptomatic treatment of vertigo, as caused in Mnire's syndrome, a disease of the inner ear. Meclizine, introduced in 1951, is used in the form of its hydrochloride salt, which occurs as white crystals. It is administered orally in tablet or syrup form. The most common side effect is drowsiness.