Comparative investigation between thiethylperazine and meclizine in vertigo of different genesis.

Forty patients suffering from vertigo of different genesis received thiethylperazine 6.5 mg or meclizine 25 mg, 2 capsules a day for 5 days, according to double-blind, cross-over methodology in randomized order. It appeared that the effect on the symptoms vertigo, gait disturbance and nausea does not differ significantly for the two preparations. On the other hand, an almost significant effect on vertigo, and, to a smaller degree, on gait disturbances, was obtained during the second period of treatment, independent of administered preparation. Side-effects in the form of fatigue and headache occur to the same extent after both preparations. Meclizine should be an alternative to thiethylperazine in the treatment of vertigo, especially in patients who might risk chronic dyskinesia in long-term treatment.