What cyclizine is for

Cyclizine is an anti–sickness medicine used to ease symptoms of feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting).

It is also used to treat dizziness and vertigo (where it feels like you or everything around you is spinning).

Cyclizine can be used to treat symptoms that can happen:

when you are travelling
because you have a certain condition that can cause these symptoms, like Ménière's disease
as side effects of some treatments, such as radiotherapy
during pregnancy (for morning sickness, though symptoms can happen at any time)

How to take cyclizine

Cyclizine usually comes as tablets that you swallow with water.

Your pharmacist or doctor will tell you how much to take and for how long.

If your symptoms do not get any better after taking cyclizine, then ask your GP for advice.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of cyclizine

If you miss a dose of cyclizine, then skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much cyclizine

Taking an extra dose of cyclizine can be be dangerous.

Urgent advice: Call NHS 111 if:

you've taken more cyclizine than it says on the packet, leaflet or prescription

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the cyclizine packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Side effects of cyclizine

Like all medicines, cyclizine can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Side effects of cyclizine may include:

constipation or diarrhoea
dry mouth
headaches
blurred vision
drowsiness

If your vision is blurred or you feel drowsy, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects.

Find a pharmacy

Serious side effects

Cyclizine can sometimes cause serious side effects although most of them are rare.

They may include:

an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
muscle twitches, spasms or seizures
heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia), where your heart beats too slowly or quickly, or heart palpations, where your heartbeat becomes more noticeable
unusual bleeding like nosebleeds, or cuts that bleed much longer than usual
the whites of your eyes and your skin turn yellow (jaundice) - this may be harder to see on black or brown skin

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

you're taking cyclizine and think you might be having anaphylaxis

If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of cyclizine.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot take cyclizine

Cyclizine is suitable for most adults and children aged 6 or over.

But cyclizine is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if you have:

had a previous allergic reaction or serious side effects to cyclizine or another anti-sickness medicine
high blood pressure
glaucoma
epilepsy
liver problems
heart failure
a condition that can make it difficult to pee, such as an enlarged prostate
a condition that can cause blockages in your bowel

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can use it.

Breastfeeding and cyclizine

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Cyclizine is not usually used while breastfeeding because there's a risk it could cause side effects in your baby.

But a doctor may recommend it if the benefits outweigh the risks The risks are lower if you take it for a short time.

Speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby, or notice side effects in your baby such as:

being sleepy or unusually tired
not feeding as well as usual
not peeing as much as usual

Pregnancy and cyclizine

Cyclizine can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

If you need to take cyclizine while you're pregnant, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible effective dose.

Find out more about taking cyclizine during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking cyclizine with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with cyclizine.

These include:

some types of antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
medicines used to treat an overactive bladder, such as oxybutynin or solifenacin
medicines used to treat insomnia, such as diphenhydramine or zolpidem
muscle relaxants, such as baclofen
strong painkillers, such as codeine or morphine
some medicines used for anxiety such as diazepam

Before taking cyclizine, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with cyclizine

You can eat as normal while taking cyclizine.

Do not drink alcohol while taking cyclizine as this can make you very drowsy and could cause problems with your breathing.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

check the leaflet that comes with it
search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice