Meclizine

Last updated

Meclizine
Meclizine.svg
Clinical data
Trade names Bonine, Antivert, others
Other namesMeclozine
AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph
MedlinePlus a682548
License data
Routes of
administration
By mouth, under the tongue, in the cheek
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
  • AU: S4 (Prescription only)
  • CA: OTC
  • US: OTC
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 22 - 32% [1]
Metabolism Liver (CYP2D6)
Elimination half-life 5-6 hours [2]
Identifiers
  • (RS)-1-[(4-chlorophenyl)(phenyl)methyl]-4-(3-methylbenzyl)piperazine
CAS Number
PubChem CID
IUPHAR/BPS
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEMBL
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard 100.008.477 OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Chemical and physical data
Formula C25H27ClN2
Molar mass 390.96 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
Boiling point 230 °C (446 °F)
  • Clc1ccc(cc1)C(c2ccccc2)N3CCN(CC3)Cc4cccc(c4)C
  • InChI=1S/C25H27ClN2/c1-20-6-5-7-21(18-20)19-27-14-16-28(17-15-27)25(22-8-3-2-4-9-22)23-10-12-24(26)13-11-23/h2-13,18,25H,14-17,19H2,1H3 Yes check.svgY
  • Key:OCJYIGYOJCODJL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Yes check.svgY
 X mark.svgNYes check.svgY  (what is this?)    (verify)


Meclizine, sold under the brand name Bonine, among others, is an antihistamine used to treat motion sickness and dizziness (vertigo). [3] It is taken by mouth. [3] Effects generally begin in an hour and last for up to a day. [3]

Contents

Common side effects include sleepiness and dry mouth. [3] Serious side effects may include allergic reactions. [3] Use in pregnancy appears safe, but has not been well studied; use in breastfeeding is of unclear safety. [4] It is believed to work in part by anticholinergic and antihistamine mechanisms. [3]

Meclizine was patented in 1951 and came into medical use in 1953. [5] It is available as a generic medication and often over the counter. [3] [6] In 2021, it was the 136th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions. [7] [8]

Medical uses

Meclizine is used to treat symptoms of motion sickness. [9]

Motion sickness

Meclizine is effective in inhibiting nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. [10]

The drug is safe for treating nausea in pregnancy and is a first-line therapy for this use. [11] [12] Meclizine may not be strong enough for especially sickening motion stimuli, and second-line defenses should be tried in those cases. [13]

Vertigo

Meclizine may be used to treat vertigo, such as in those with Ménière's disease. [14] [15]

Side effects

Some common side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and tiredness may occur. Meclizine has been shown to have fewer dry mouth side effects than the traditional treatment for motion sickness, transdermal scopolamine. [16] A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but immediate medical attention should be sought if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. [17]

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Meclizine is an antagonist at H1 receptors (Ki = 250 nM). [18] It possesses anticholinergic, central nervous system depressant, and local anesthetic effects. Its antiemetic and antivertigo effects are not fully understood, but its central anticholinergic properties are partially responsible. The drug depresses labyrinth excitability and vestibular stimulation, and it may affect the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone. [9] The drug has been shown to reduce the magnitude of the vestibulo-ocular reflex in healthy volunteers. [19] At the same time the drug was found to have only a small (and statistically insignificant) effect on the motion sensitivity of the utricles. [19] Much as motion sickness arises from a discrepancy between multiple senses, meclizine most likely affects a wide array of sensory mechanisms related to self-motion while leaving the core vestibular response intact. [20]

Meclizine also has been reported to be a weak dopamine antagonist at D1-like and D2-like receptors[ citation needed ] but it does not cause catalepsy in mice, perhaps because of its anticholinergic activity. [21] The drug does not effect dopamine or serotonin reuptake. [22]

Pharmacokinetics

Meclizine reaches peak plasma concentration in about 1.5 hours and has an elimination half-life of 5-6 hours. [2] Despite its relatively short half-life, the drug is reported to remain effective for motion sickness for 12 - 24 hours. [23] Meclizine has low bioavailability (22–32%) and a delayed onset to action in part due to its poor solubility in water (0.1 mg/ml) and gastrointestinal fluid. [1] In children it has been found that taking meclizine with food increases its bioavailability slightly. [24] It is metabolized in the liver by the CYP2D6 enzyme. [2] Ten metabolites have been identified. [25] In rats, the main metabolite is norchlorcyclizine, which distributes extensively through body tissue. [26]

Chemistry

Meclizine is a first-generation antihistamine (nonselective H1 antagonist) of the piperazine class. It is structurally and pharmacologically similar to buclizine, cyclizine, and hydroxyzine.

Synthesis

(4-Chlorophenyl)-phenylmethanol is halogenated with thionyl chloride before adding acetylpiperazine. The acetyl group is cleaved with diluted sulfuric acid. An N-alkylation of the piperazine ring with 3-methylbenzylchloride completes the synthesis. [27]

Meclozine synthesis 01.svg

Alternatively, the last step can be replaced by a reductive N-alkylation with 3-methylbenzaldehyde. The reductive agent is hydrogen, and Raney nickel is used as a catalyst. [28] [29]

Meclozine synthesis 02.svg

Meclizine is obtained and used as a racemate, a 1:1 mixture of the two stereoisomers. Drug forms contain the racemic dihydrochloride.[ citation needed ]

Society and culture

Brand names

Meclizine is an international nonproprietary name. [30]

It is sold under the brand names Bonine, Bonamine, Antivert, Postafen, Sea Legs, and Dramamine II (Less Drowsy Formulation). Emesafene is a combination of meclizine (1/3) and pyridoxine (2/3). In Canada, Antivert Tab was a combination of meclizine and nicotinic acid. [31]

Related Research Articles

An antiemetic is a drug that is effective against vomiting and nausea. Antiemetics are typically used to treat motion sickness and the side effects of opioid analgesics, general anaesthetics, and chemotherapy directed against cancer. They may be used for severe cases of gastroenteritis, especially if the patient is dehydrated.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benzatropine</span> Medication for movement disorders

Benzatropine (INN), known as benztropine in the United States and Japan, is a medication used to treat movement disorders like parkinsonism and dystonia, as well as extrapyramidal side effects of antipsychotics, including akathisia. It is not useful for tardive dyskinesia. It is taken by mouth or by injection into a vein or muscle. Benefits are seen within two hours and last for up to ten hours.

H1 antagonists, also called H1 blockers, are a class of medications that block the action of histamine at the H1 receptor, helping to relieve allergic reactions. Agents where the main therapeutic effect is mediated by negative modulation of histamine receptors are termed antihistamines; other agents may have antihistaminergic action but are not true antihistamines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diphenhydramine</span> Antihistamine medication

Diphenhydramine (DPH) is an antihistamine and sedative mainly used to treat allergies, insomnia, and symptoms of the common cold. It is also less commonly used for tremors in parkinsonism, and nausea. It is taken by mouth, injected into a vein, injected into a muscle, or applied to the skin. Maximal effect is typically around two hours after a dose, and effects can last for up to seven hours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dimenhydrinate</span> Anti-emetic and antihistamine medication

Dimenhydrinate, sold under the brand name Dramamine, among others, is an over-the-counter medication used to treat motion sickness and nausea. Dimenhydrinate is a theoclate salt composed of diphenhydramine and 8-chlorotheophylline in a 1:1 ratio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chlorphenamine</span> Antihistamine used to treat allergies

Chlorphenamine, also known as chlorpheniramine, is an antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis. It is taken orally. The medication takes effect within two hours and lasts for about 4–6 hours. It is a first-generation antihistamine and works by blocking the H1 receptor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hydroxyzine</span> Antihistamine drug

Hydroxyzine, sold under the brand names Atarax and Vistaril among others, is an antihistamine medication. It is used in the treatment of itchiness, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. It is used either by mouth or injection into a muscle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ipratropium bromide</span> Type of anticholinergic

Ipratropium bromide, sold under the trade name Atrovent among others, is a type of anticholinergic medication which is applied by different routes: inhaler, nebulizer, or nasal spray, for different reasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cetirizine</span> Antihistamine medication

Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, and urticaria (hives). It is taken by mouth. Effects generally begin within thirty minutes and last for about a day. The degree of benefit is similar to other antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, which is a first-generation antihistamine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Promethazine</span> Sedating Antihistamine

Promethazine, sold under the brand name Phenergan among others, is a first-generation antihistamine, sedative, and antiemetic used to treat allergies, insomnia, and nausea. It may also help with some symptoms associated with the common cold and may also be used for sedating people who are agitated or anxious, an effect that has led to some recreational use. Promethazine is taken by mouth (oral), as a rectal suppository, or by injection into a muscle (IM).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doxylamine</span> First-generation antihistamine used as a short-term sedative and hypnotic (sleep aid)

Doxylamine is an antihistamine medication used to treat insomnia and allergies, and—in combination with pyridoxine (vitamin B6)—to treat morning sickness in pregnant women. It is available over-the-counter and is typically sold under such brand names as Equate, Unisom, or ZzzQuil, among others; and it is used in nighttime cold medicines (e.g., NyQuil) and pain medications containing acetaminophen and/or codeine to help with sleep. The medication is delivered chemically by the salt doxylamine succinate and is taken by mouth. Doxylamine and other first-generation antihistamines are the most widely used sleep medications in the world.Typical side effects of doxylamine (at recommended doses) include dizziness, drowsiness, grogginess, and dry mouth, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clemastine</span> Allergy medication

Clemastine, also known as meclastin, is a first-generation H1 histamine antagonist (antihistamine) with anticholinergic properties (drying) and sedative side effects. Like all first-generation antihistamines, it is sedating.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doxepin</span> Medication to treat depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, chronic hives, and trouble sleeping

Doxepin is a medication belonging to the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) class of drugs used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, chronic hives, and insomnia. For hives it is a less preferred alternative to antihistamines. It has a mild to moderate benefit for sleeping problems. It is used as a cream for itchiness due to atopic dermatitis or lichen simplex chronicus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chloropyramine</span> Chemical compound

Chloropyramine is a classical first-generation antihistamine drug approved in Eastern European countries for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, and other atopic (allergic) conditions. Related indications for clinical use include angioedema, allergic reactions to insect bites, food and drug allergies, and anaphylactic shock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinnarizine</span> Antihistamine and calcium channel blocker medication

Cinnarizine is an antihistamine and calcium channel blocker of the diphenylmethylpiperazine group. It is prescribed for nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness or other sources such as chemotherapy, vertigo, or Ménière's disease. Cinnarizine is one of the leading causes of drug-induced parkinsonism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclizine</span> Medication for motion sickness or vertigo

Cyclizine, sold under a number of brand names, is a medication used to treat and prevent nausea, vomiting and dizziness due to motion sickness or vertigo. It may also be used for nausea after general anaesthesia or that which developed from opioid use. It is taken by mouth, in the rectum, or injected into a vein.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tripelennamine</span> Chemical compound

Tripelennamine, sold under the brand name Pyribenzamine by Novartis, is a drug that is used as an antipruritic and first-generation antihistamine. It can be used in the treatment of asthma, hay fever, rhinitis, and urticaria, but is now less common as it has been replaced by newer antihistamines. The drug was patented at CIBA, which merged with Geigy into Ciba-Geigy, and eventually becoming Novartis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antihistamine</span> Drug that blocks histamine or histamine agonists

Antihistamines are drugs which treat allergic rhinitis, common cold, influenza, and other allergies. Typically, people take antihistamines as an inexpensive, generic drug that can be bought without a prescription and provides relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, or hives caused by pollen, dust mites, or animal allergy with few side effects. Antihistamines are usually for short-term treatment. Chronic allergies increase the risk of health problems which antihistamines might not treat, including asthma, sinusitis, and lower respiratory tract infection. Consultation of a medical professional is recommended for those who intend to take antihistamines for longer-term use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nausea</span> Medical symptom or condition

Nausea is a diffuse sensation of unease and discomfort, sometimes perceived as an urge to vomit. While not painful, it can be a debilitating symptom if prolonged and has been described as placing discomfort on the chest, abdomen, or back of the throat.

Peripherally selective drugs have their primary mechanism of action outside of the central nervous system (CNS), usually because they are excluded from the CNS by the blood–brain barrier. By being excluded from the CNS, drugs may act on the rest of the body without producing side-effects related to their effects on the brain or spinal cord. For example, most opioids cause sedation when given at a sufficiently high dose, but peripherally selective opioids can act on the rest of the body without entering the brain and are less likely to cause sedation. These peripherally selective opioids can be used as antidiarrheals, for instance loperamide (Imodium).

References

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