BUCLIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE
(byoo-cli'zeen)
Bucladin-S Softab
Classifications: antihistamine; antivertigo
Prototype: Meclizine
Pregnancy Category: C

Availability

50 mg tablets

Actions

A piperazine derivative structurally and pharmacologically related to meclizine and cyclizine. Mechanism of action not precisely known but may be related to its central anticholinergic actions. It diminishes vestibular stimulation and depresses labyrinthine function. Action on the medullary chemoreceptive trigger zone (CTZ) may also be involved in its antiemetic effect.

Therapeutic Effects

Exhibits antihistaminic, anticholinergic, antivertigo, CNS depressant, and local anesthetic effects.

Uses

Prevention and treatment of motion sickness and the symptomatic treatment of vertigo.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to buclizine hydrochloride, children <2 y, older adults, pregnancy (category C), lactation, Reye's syndrome.

Cautious Use

Patients also receiving other CNS depressants or depressant drugs; angle-closure glaucoma; prostatic hypertrophy; bladder neck obstruction; pyloroduodenal obstruction.

Route & Dosage

Motion Sickness
Adult: PO 50 mg 30 min before travel, may repeat in 4–6 h if needed

Vertigo
Adult: PO 50 mg 1–3 times/d

Administration

Oral

Give with food, water, or milk to minimize gastric irritation.
Swallow tablets whole, chewed, or allow to dissolve in mouth without water.
Store away from heat, light, or moist areas at 15°–30° C (59°–86° F) in a tightly closed container.

Adverse Effects (1%)

CNS: Drowsiness, headache, jitteriness. GI: Dry mouth, nausea.

Diagnostic Test Interference

May interfere with allergy skin tests.

Interactions

Drug: Alcohol and other cns depressants compound CNS depression.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Readily absorbed from GI tract. Onset: 1 h. Duration: 4–6 h.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Inquire about history of aspirin allergy. Withhold buclizine if aspirin hypersensitivity is reported.
Buclizine may mask ototoxic effects of large doses of salicylates.

Patient & Family Education

Take drug for motion sickness at least 30 min before traveling.
Do not take more medication than recommended.
Do not drive or engage in other potentially hazardous tasks until response to drug is known.
Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
Do not breast feed while taking this drug.

Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug