Bonine

Bonine is a motion sickness medication that is available over the counter. It is approved to both treat and prevent symptoms of motion sickness; it comes in the form of a chewable tablet. Most people tolerate it well, but as with any medication, side effects are possible. Potential side effects of this medicine include dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurred vision.

What Is Bonine?

Bonine® (meclizine hydrochloride) is a non-prescription medication used to treat and prevent motion sickness symptoms. This article refers to Bonine Original chewable tablets; it does not apply to Bonine for Kids, which contains a different medication.
 
(Click Bonine Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Bonine?

This medication is manufactured by Insight Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Bonine Work?

Bonine is part of a group of medications known as antihistamines, meaning that it blocks histamine receptors. However, it probably works for motion sickness by blocking acetylcholine receptors (by its "anticholinergic" activity), not by antihistamine activity.
 

When and How to Take It

General considerations include the following:
 
  • This medication comes in chewable tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day or as directed by your healthcare provider.
     
  • You can take Bonine either with food or on an empty stomach. If the medication seems to bother your stomach, try taking it with a little food.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
     

Bonine Dosing Information

There is only one standard recommended dosage for Bonine, regardless of your age or weight. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Bonine Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, Bonine can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience bothersome side effects. Some people tolerate it quite well.
 
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Possible side effects of Bonine include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision.
     
(Click Bonine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Bonine

Bonine can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Bonine Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Bonine Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

An overdose with Bonine can cause serious problems. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Meclizine Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Bonine Be Stored?

Bonine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

For people who take this medication on a regular schedule, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Bonine.
 

Strengths

This medication comes in one strength -- Bonine 25 mg chewable tablets.
 

Generic Availability of Bonine

Bonine is available in generic form (see Generic Meclizine for more information).
 
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