Is OTC Meclizine the same as prescription Meclizine?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Is OTC Meclizine the same as prescription Meclizine?
Yes, over-the-counter Meclizine is the same as prescription Meclizine if we look at the basic chemical properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), Meclizine. However, the difference lies in the concentration of the API present in the two forms of the medication (1).
This is why the one which contains a lesser concentration of Meclizine is available over the counter, and the one with a higher concentration should be taken only if prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Meclizine is an antihistamine and it is one of the first medications that come to mind when treating motion sickness and dizziness. People with motion sickness can easily do well on the OTC Meclizine, however, some may require a stronger dose.
This is why it’s important to seek medical advice if you suffer from conditions like vertigo, or if you are planning your next trip and your motion sickness concerns you.
Make sure you ensure the safe and effective use of Meclizine. To do so, it is important to stick to the recommended dosage strength and frequency of drug use.
It is also important to check the expiry date before taking Meclizine or any other medication to ensure that it is potent enough to help your symptoms.
What are the basic differences between OTC and prescription Meclizine?
Although the API is the same, OTC Meclizine can differ from prescription Meclizine in a few ways. As we have discussed earlier, the OTC version of Meclizine is available without a doctor’s prescription. Sold under various brand names, it can be purchased from pharmacies, drugstores and even online retailers.
The OTC dosage strength is 25 mg per tablet and it is labeled for temporary relief of symptoms. It is available in various dosage forms including tablets, capsules, and chewable tablets, and is typically taken 30 minutes to an hour before travelling or exposure to anything that triggers the symptoms.
Prescription Meclizine, on the other hand, is only available on prescription and should be taken as directed by a doctor. The prescription form of Meclizine may have varying strengths including 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg and is prescribed depending on the individual’s condition.
Prescription Meclizine is typically taken 1-2 hours before travel or exposure to a trigger. The dosage for adults can be 25mg-100mg taken once a day.
Prescription Meclizine is usually more expensive than OTC Meclizine, which makes it less common among people who can’t afford it. However, OTC Meclizine can not be used for underlying health conditions.
Here’s a table to sum up the basic differences between OTC and prescription Meclizine
| Properties | OTC Meclizine | Prescription Meclizine |
| Dosage Strength | 12.5mg, 25 mg | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg |
| Duration | 30 mins to 1hr before travelling | 1hr-2hr before travelling |
| Availability | Non-Prescription | Prescription-only |
| Cost Effective | More Affordable | Expensive |
| Use | Used for motion sickness only | Prescribed for more severe conditions |
Are OTC and Prescription Meclizine associated with similar side effects?
Yes, OTC and Prescription Meclizine are associated with similar side effects because the occurrence of adverse events depends on the pharmacological properties of the drug, which are exactly the same here since the active drug is the same.
However, the intensity of the side effect can vary because of the difference in dosage strengths. Common side effects associated with Meclizine include (2):
- Drowsiness
- Dry Mouth
- Blurred Vision
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Nausea
Less common side effects of Meclizine include:
- Allergic reactions
- Fast Heartbeat
- Weight Gain
- High Blood Pressure
- Liver Problems
- Kidney Problems
- Blood Disorders
- Seizures
These side effects can vary from person to person. Although Meclizine is a generally well-tolerated medication, some people may not respond well to it. In case you experience any of the above-mentioned side effects, please reach out to your healthcare provider.
Final words
To sum up, OTC and Prescription Meclizine are not so different from one another. You just need to understand that one is used for mild symptoms and the other one is used for more complex conditions.
If you are taking OTC Meclizine and you don’t find it effective enough, please talk to your prescribing physician. Your doctor will properly diagnose your condition and will recommend the best possible treatment regimen to help restore your health.
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References
1.-
Meclizine Dosage (Drugs.com, 2023)
2.-
Meclizine Oral Route (Mayo Clinic, 2023)
