How and when to take cyclizine

If you or your child have been prescribed cyclizine, follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to take it.

Dosage and strength

Cyclizine comes as 50mg tablets and 50mg injections.

The usual dose is:

• adults and children aged 12 and over – 50mg
• children aged 6 to 11 years – 25mg
• motion sickness – 25mg

Doses for children

For motion sickness, give a 25mg dose. If you have the 50mg tablet, it has a score line so you can break it in half into 2 equal doses.

How to take it

You can take cyclizine with or without food.

You can usually take it when you need it, up to 3 times a day, as long as it is 8 hours apart.

For motion sickness, take cyclizine 1 to 2 hours before travel. If you're going on a long journey, you can take another dose after 8 hours, and 1 more after another 8 hours if needed.

How long to take it for

How long you take cyclizine for depends on why you're taking it.

For motion sickness or after surgery, you may only need to take cyclizine for a couple of days.

You may need to take cyclizine for longer if you're taking it to prevent symptoms – for example, to stop sickness after cancer therapy or if you have inner ear problems, such as Ménière's disease.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure how long you need to take cyclizine for.

If you forget to take it

For motion sickness, take it as soon as you remember. For anything else, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you take cyclizine every day and you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

Too much cyclizine can be dangerous for you or your child.