DESCRIPTION

Meclizine hydrochloride, an oral antiemetic, is a white, slightly yellowish, crystalline powder which has a slight odor and is tasteless. It has the following structural formula:

C25H27ClN2•2HCl•H2O M.W. 481.89

The chemical name is 1-(p-chloro-alpha-phenylbenzyl)-4-(m-methyl-benzyl) - piperazine dihydrochloride monohydrate.

Meclizine Hydrochloride Tablets are available in 12.5 mg, and *25 mg strengths for oral administration.

*Contains FD&C Yellow #5 (see PRECAUTIONS).

Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, starch, and stearic acid. In addition, the 12.5 mg tablet contains FD&C Blue #1; and the 25 mg tablet contains D&C Yellow #10 and FD&C Yellow #5.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Meclizine hydrochloride is an antihistamine which shows marked protective activity against nebulized histamine and lethal doses of intravenously injected histamine in guinea pigs. It has a marked effect in blocking the vasodepressor response to histamine, but only a slight blocking action against acetylcholine. Its activity is relatively weak in inhibiting the spasmogenic action of histamine on isolated guinea pig ileum.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Meclizine hydrochloride is contraindicated in individuals who have shown a previous hypersensitivity to it.

WARNINGS

Since drowsiness may, on occasion, occur with use of this drug, patients should be warned of this possibility and cautioned against driving a car or operating dangerous machinery.

Patients should avoid alcoholic beverages while taking the drug. Due to its potential anticholinergic action, this drug should be used with caution in patients with asthma, glaucoma, or enlargement of the prostate gland.

PRECAUTIONS

*The Meclizine Hydrochloride Tablets, 25 mg contain FD&C Yellow #5 (tartrazine) which may cause allergic-type reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible individuals. Although the overall incidence of FD&C Yellow #5 (tartrazine) sensitivity in the general population is low, it is frequently seen in patients who also have aspirin hypersensitivity.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when meclizine is administered to a nursing woman.

Hepatic Impairment

The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetic of meclizine has not been evaluated. As meclizine undergoes metabolism, hepatic impairment may result in increased systemic exposure of the drug. Treatment with meclizine should be administered with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.

Renal Impairment

The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of meclizine has not been evaluated. Due to a potential for drug/metabolite accumulation, meclizine should be administered with caution in patients with renal impairment and in the elderly as renal function generally declines with age.

Drug Interactions

There may be increased CNS depression when meclizine is administered concurrently with other CNS depressants, including alcohol, tranquilizers, and sedatives. (see WARNINGS).

Based on in vitro evaluation, meclizine is metabolized by CYP2D6. Therefore there is a possibility for a drug interaction between meclizine and CYP2D6 inhibitors.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Anaphylactoid reaction, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, vomiting and, on rare occasions, blurred vision have been reported.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Vertigo

For the control of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system, the recommended dose is 25 to 100 mg daily, in divided dosage, depending upon clinical response.

Motion Sickness: The initial dose of 25 to 50 mg meclizine hydrochloride, should be taken one hour prior to embarkation for protection against motion sickness. Thereafter, the dose may be repeated every 24 hours for the duration of the journey.

HOW SUPPLIED

Meclizine Hydrochloride Tablets, USP 12.5 mg - blue, oval tablets debossed with “034” on one side and “par” on the other side. Tablets may contain characteristic dye spots. They are supplied in blistercards of 30 (NDC 0615-1553-39).

Meclizine Hydrochloride Tablets, USP 25 mg - yellow, oval tablets debossed with “035” on one side and “par” on the other side. They are supplied in blistercards of 30 (NDC 0615-1554-39) and unit dose boxes of 30 (NDC 0615-1554-30) .

Dispense in tight, light-resistant containers as defined in the USP.

Store at controlled room temperature 15° to 30°C (59°-86°F).

Manufactured by:

PAR PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES, INC.

Spring Valley, NY 10977

Revised: 07/13

OS034-01-1-14

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL: 12.5 MG

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL: 25 MG