Drug Guide
Buclizine Hydrochloride
Classification
Therapeutic: Antiemetic, Antihistamine
Pharmacological: H1 Antihistamine (Anticholinergic effects)
FDA Approved Indications
- Prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness
Mechanism of Action
Buclizine blocks H1 histamine receptors in the vestibular apparatus and vomiting center, reducing stimuli that induce nausea and motion sickness.
Dosage and Administration
Adult: 25-50 mg orally 1 hour before exposure; may be repeated every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 150 mg per day.
Pediatric: 5-10 mg orally 1 hour before exposure; may be repeated in 6-8 hours as needed, maximum 30 mg/day.
Geriatric: Use with caution; start at lower doses due to increased sensitivity and risk of anticholinergic side effects.
Renal Impairment: Adjust dose cautiously; no specific guidelines, use lower doses.
Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor for increased effects due to reduced metabolism.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration.
Distribution: Widely distributed throughout body tissues, crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Metabolism: Metabolized hepatically, undergoes some degree of first-pass metabolism.
Excretion: Primarily excreted in urine.
Half Life: Approximately 3-6 hours.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to buclizine or other antihistamines.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Prostatic hypertrophy.
- Urinary retention.
Precautions
- Use with caution in elderly, during pregnancy (category B), and lactation.
- Potential for CNS depression, caution in patients performing activities requiring mental alertness.
Adverse Reactions - Common
- Sedation/drowsiness (Common)
- Dry mouth (Common)
- Dizziness (Common)
Adverse Reactions - Serious
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, urticaria, angioedema) (Rare)
- Seizures (in overdose or sensitive individuals) (Rare)
- Confusion, hallucinations (especially in elderly) (Rare)
Drug-Drug Interactions
- Additive CNS depression with other sedatives, alcohol, or CNS depressants.
Drug-Food Interactions
N/ADrug-Herb Interactions
N/ANursing Implications
Assessment: Monitor for effectiveness in reducing nausea; observe for adverse effects like sedation or anticholinergic symptoms.
Diagnoses:
- Risk for injury due to sedation or dizziness.
- Impaired comfort related to adverse effects.
Implementation: Administer as prescribed; educate about potential drowsiness; advise caution when driving or operating machinery.
Evaluation: Assess for relief of nausea; monitor for adverse reactions.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Take medication exactly as prescribed.
- Avoid alcohol and CNS depressants.
- Caution when driving or operating machinery until response is known.
- Report any allergic reactions or severe side effects.
Special Considerations
Black Box Warnings: N/A
Genetic Factors: None specified.
Lab Test Interference: None known, but anticholinergic drugs may affect certain laboratory tests.
Overdose Management
Signs/Symptoms: Severe drowsiness, hallucinations, seizures, tachycardia, dry mouth, urinary retention.
Treatment: Supportive care, gastric lavage if recent ingestion, activated charcoal, manage symptoms accordingly.
Storage and Handling
Storage: Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
Stability: Stable when stored properly.