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Cyclizine

  • Cyclizine is used to treat sickness or dizziness.
  • If you are taking it for travel sickness, take your first dose one to two hours before travelling.
  • Cyclizine may cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving.

About cyclizine

Type of medicineAntihistamine
Used forSickness (including travel sickness)
Vertigo
Problems affecting the inner ear and balance
Also calledValoid®
Available asTablets and injection

Cyclizine is used to treat sickness, vertigo (loss of balance or dizziness), travel sickness and problems affecting the inner ear and balance.

Cyclizine is an antihistamine. Although it is not fully understood how cyclizine relieves sickness, it is known that the brain has several key areas which control sickness and that the chemical histamine is involved. It is thought that antihistamines like cyclizine block histamine in these areas of the brain, preventing the feelings of sickness.

Before taking cyclizine

Before taking cyclizine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have prostate problems or have difficulty passing urine.
  • If you suffer from glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes).
  • If you have heart problems.
  • If you have liver problems.
  • If you have epilepsy.
  • If you know you have a blockage of your small intestines.
  • If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • Note: cyclizine is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.

How to take cyclizine

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take cyclizine exactly as directed.
  • If you are taking this medicine for travel sickness the first dose should be taken one to two hours before travelling.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Cyclizine may cause drowsiness. You should not drive after taking cyclizine until you know how you respond to it and that your reactions are normal.
  • Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness experienced after taking cyclizine. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effect on you.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside cyclizine.

Can cyclizine cause problems?

All medicines can cause unwanted side-effects along with their useful effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller
Drowsiness, blurred visionMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other job which would be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly
Dry mouth, nose and throatTry chewing sugar-free sweets or gum
ConstipationTry to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink plenty of water
Skin rash, difficulty passing urine, restlessnessStop taking cyclizine and speak to your doctor about these

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

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


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3304DocRef: dils2245Last Reviewed: 22 Dec 2009Version: 22
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