What is Cyclizine?

This medication is often used to treat dizziness and nausea seen in vertigo and motion sickness. If you experience these symptoms and feel you might benefit from taking Cyclizine, please consult a medical professional first to help make sure this medication is right for you. You can do this easily and conveniently on Meds for Less.

This medicine may be used if you are experiencing vertigo or motion sickness as it can help reduce your feelings of dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Cyclizine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking something called histamine from sending signals to your brain that can make you experience dizziness or nausea. Cyclizine is usually taken as a tablet.

Side effects

As with all medication, cyclizine tablets can come with some side effects although some are less common. It is important to be aware of these as if you notice any serious side effects, you must get medical attention immediately. If the common side effects persist, you may also wish to discuss this with your doctor. We have summarised some in the list below:

Cyclizine dosage

This will depend on the patient’s age and what condition the cyclizine is being prescribed to treat. We have outlined the general dosage guidance in the table below. However, please note that these are just guidelines below, and exact dosage will be decided by your prescriber. 

If you miss or forget to take your cyclizine tablet, take it as soon as you realise you have forgotten. However, make sure you do not take double the dose to make up for missing a previous dose. If you take too much cyclizine, please consult a medical professional as soon as possible.

Side effects of Cyclizine

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take cyclizine pills but there are some common side effects and some serious side effects that you should be aware of just in case.

For example, some common ones include:

• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache

Although they are rare, serious side effects include:

• Abnormal movements or stiff feeling in the face or tongue
• Bleeding does not stop easily e.g from a little cut
• The whites around the eyes may turn yellow.
• The skin may start turning yellow

Also, some people may have an allergic reaction to cyclizine but this is usually rare. Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following urgent symptoms:

• Breathing difficulties – difficult breathing or breathing too quickly
• Swelling of the airways including swelling of the mouth, lips, or tongue – It may feel like your airways are closing
• Rashes – Maybe itchy, blistering or weeping. A rash of any type may indicate a serious allergic reaction.

How to take Cyclizine

Cyclizine hydrochloride tablets can be taken with or without a meal. Try and make sure that the doses are taken at least 8 hours apart. 

If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember however do not ‘double-up’ on cyclizine hydrochloride tablets. If you have accidentally taken too much Cyclizine, please seek medical attention promptly.

You should always follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take Cyclizine because the dosage will be different depending on your age and the condition you are using Cyclizine to treat. For example, adults will usually take cyclizine 50 mg. 

Cyclizine during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Cyclizine interactions

There are some medications that can interact with Cyclizine so it is important to accurately list all medications you are taking (including herbal medicines and over the counter products) to any healthcare provider prescribing you cyclizine. Cyclizine can also interact with some herbal remedies such as St John’s Wort.

We have summarised some of the key types of medications or substances that can interact with cyclizine below:

•  Anticholinergic drugs:  This may cause dry mouth, urinary retention, or constipation
• Antihypertensive drugs: Cyclizine can make antihypertensive drugs less effective.
• Central Nervous System Depressants (e.g benzodiazepines, methadone (opioid), alcohol): The interaction may make you feel an increased sense of drowsiness or sedative effects.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (e.g phenelzine)

Cyclizine Alternatives

Cyclizine may not be suitable for everyone but luckily there are a few alternatives to consider depending on your symptoms. If you feel Cyclizine may not be right for you, it is best to consult a medical professional. For your information, we have summarised some the alternatives to Cyclizine in the table below:

Storage and Shelf Life of Cyclizine

Proper storage of cyclizine pills is essential to maintain their effectiveness and safety. Always keep the tablets in their original packaging, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Store at room temperature and out of reach of children. Do not use the medication past its expiry date, and consult a pharmacist if you’re unsure about the condition of older tablets.

To ensure safe use:

• Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C
• Avoid storing in bathrooms or near heat sources
• Dispose of expired tablets through a pharmacy, not household waste

Who Should Avoid Cyclizine?

While Cyclizine is generally well-tolerated, certain individuals should avoid it or use it only under strict medical supervision. This includes people with liver disease, glaucoma, or urinary retention issues. Cyclizine may also affect driving ability due to drowsiness, so caution is advised.

Avoid cyclizine use if:

• You have a known allergy to antihistamines
• You suffer from severe liver impairment
• You’re taking CNS depressants or MAO inhibitors without medical guidance

If you’re unsure whether this medication is right for you, speak to a healthcare professional before you buy cyclizine tablets online through Meds For Less.