meclizine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Specialized/Technical)Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “meclizine” mean?
A medication, specifically an antihistamine, used primarily to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness or vertigo.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medication, specifically an antihistamine, used primarily to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness or vertigo.
While its core function is antiemetic and antivertigo, meclizine's mechanism involves depressing labyrinthine function and blocking histamine H1 receptors in the vestibular system. It is often discussed in broader contexts of travel medicine, neurology, and otolaryngology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The drug is known under the same generic name. Brand names may differ (e.g., in the UK it might be found combined in 'Sea-Legs' tablets for motion sickness).
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both dialects. Its use implies a clinical or informed consumer context.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Frequency is confined to specific professional and patient discourse in healthcare settings in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “meclizine” in a Sentence
[Patient] takes meclizine for [Condition][Doctor] prescribes meclizine to [Patient][Meclizine] is used to treat [Symptom]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meclizine” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The GP recommended meclizine for her recurrent vertigo.
- Is meclizine available over the counter at the chemist's?
American English
- The doctor prescribed meclizine for my motion sickness before the cruise.
- You can find meclizine in the pharmacy aisle for travel wellness.
adjective
British English
- The meclizine dosage must be carefully calibrated.
- She experienced meclizine-induced drowsiness.
American English
- The meclizine regimen helped him manage his symptoms.
- Read the meclizine product information thoroughly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical industry reports, marketing, or supply chain discussions.
Academic
Common in pharmacology, medicine, and audiology textbooks and research papers on vestibular disorders.
Everyday
Very rare. Used only by individuals discussing a specific prescription or treatment for vertigo/motion sickness.
Technical
Standard term in clinical notes, pharmacy, otolaryngology, neurology, and travel medicine guidelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meclizine”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meclizine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meclizine”
- Misspelling as 'meclazine', 'meclisine', or 'mecklizine'.
- Using it as a general term for any anti-nausea drug.
- Incorrect pronunciation with a soft 'c' (/s/ sound).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different. Dramamine's primary active ingredient is dimenhydrinate. Meclizine is a distinct antihistamine, though both are used for nausea and vertigo.
No, it is not recommended. Both meclizine and alcohol can cause drowsiness and impaired coordination, so combining them increases these risks significantly.
For motion sickness, it is typically taken about one hour before travel to allow time for it to be absorbed and become effective.
No, meclizine is not a controlled substance. It is an antihistamine available over-the-counter in many countries for the treatment of vertigo and motion sickness.
A medication, specifically an antihistamine, used primarily to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness or vertigo.
Meclizine is usually technical/medical in register.
Meclizine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛklɪziːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛklɪˌziːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MECLIZINE' as 'Meclizine Ends Carousels, Leaning, Incessant Nausea, Everywhere' – linking it to stopping spinning (vertigo) and sickness.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STABILIZER or ANCHOR for the inner ear's balance system.
Practice
Quiz
In which medical specialty is the term 'meclizine' most frequently used?