Indications
Cyclizine is an antihistamine used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness (travel sickness). Doctors also use it for nausea and vomiting from other causes, such as after surgery, with certain medicines, or with inner ear problems (vertigo).
How It Works
Cyclizine blocks histamine H1 receptors and has anticholinergic action (it blocks acetylcholine, a nerve messenger). It calms the vomiting centre in the brain and reduces the signals from the balance organ of the inner ear that trigger travel sickness.
Dosage and Administration
Adults and children over 12 years: 50 mg by mouth up to three times a day. Do not take more than 150 mg in 24 hours. For travel sickness, take the first dose about 1 to 2 hours before the journey. Children 6 to 12 years: 25 mg up to three times a day, or as advised by a doctor. Not recommended for children under 6 unless prescribed. The injection form is given by a doctor or nurse.
Interactions
Cyclizine adds to the drowsiness caused by alcohol, sleeping tablets, opioid painkillers, sedating antihistamines and some antidepressants. Its anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision) can add up with medicines such as Atropine, Tricyclic antidepressants and Oxybutynin.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Cyclizine or other similar antihistamines.
- Acute alcohol intoxication.
- Porphyria.
Side Effects
Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, constipation and difficulty passing urine. Restlessness or excitement can occur, especially in children and older people.
Get urgent medical help for a fast or irregular heartbeat, fits, confusion or hallucinations, inability to pass urine, eye pain with blurred vision, or signs of allergy such as swelling of the face or throat and difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if a doctor advises it, as safety is not fully established. It may pass into breast milk; ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Cyclizine can make you sleepy: do not drive or operate machines if affected, and avoid alcohol. Use with care if you have glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or trouble passing urine, epilepsy, severe heart failure, liver disease, or if you are elderly.
Overdose
Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, agitation, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, hallucinations and fits, especially in children. Seek medical help immediately and take the pack with you.
Therapeutic Class
Antiemetic; piperazine-derivative H1 antihistamine.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.