Cyclizine for sickness

About cyclizine

Cyclizine is used to treat sickness (nausea), such as that caused by problems affecting the inner ear and balance (including dizziness), and travel sickness. It is an antihistamine.

Cyclizine helps reduce the feelings of nausea and vertigo caused by problems such as these. It is available from a pharmacy, without a prescription, and can be taken by adults and by children over the age of 6 years.

Before taking cyclizine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking cyclizine it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have heart failure.

• If you have increased pressure in your eye, a condition called glaucoma.

• If you have epilepsy.

• If you have prostate problems, or have been experiencing difficulty passing urine.

• If you know you have a blockage in your small intestines.

• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take cyclizine

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about cyclizine, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take cyclizine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. It can be taken up to three times a day.

• If you are taking cyclizine to prevent travel sickness, take the first tablet 1-2 hours before you are due to travel. If you are going on a long journey, you can then take further doses every eight hours if needed. The tablets can be crushed to make them easier to swallow. If you are giving cyclizine to a child, check the label carefully to make sure you are giving the correct dose for the age of your child - the dose for children aged 6-12 years is half a tablet.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Cyclizine can cause drowsiness and blurred vision. Although this is rare following a single dose of cyclizine, it can occur if it is taken more regularly. If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines. Alcohol will make the drowsiness worse, so it is best not to drink alcohol while you are on cyclizine.

• If you are having an operation or any treatment (particularly if it is to test for an allergy), please tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking cyclizine.
  

Can cyclizine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with cyclizine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store cyclizine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines