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Cyclizine


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Intramuscular, Intravenous
Nausea and vomiting
Adult: For the prevention and treatment of cases associated with motion sickness or radiotherapy: As cyclizine lactate: 50 mg up to tid via IM or slow IV inj. Treatment recommendations may vary among countries (refer to specific local guidelines).

Intramuscular, Intravenous
Postoperative nausea and vomiting
Adult: As cyclizine lactate: 50 mg up to tid via IM or slow IV inj; 1st dose should be given via slow IV inj 20 minutes before the anticipated end of surgery. Treatment recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).

Intravenous
Prophylaxis of acid aspiration during general anaesthesia
Adult: For patients undergoing emergency surgery: As cyclizine lactate: 25 mg prior to induction of general anaesthesia. Treatment recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).

Oral
Motion sickness
Adult: As cyclizine hydrochloride: Treatment: 50 mg up to tid. Prevention: 50 mg up to tid; 1st dose should be given at least 1-2 hours before travelling. Dosing recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: As cyclizine hydrochloride: 6-12 years Treatment: 25 mg up to tid. Prevention: 25 mg up to tid; 1st dose should be given at least 1-2 hours before travelling. >12 years Same as adult dose.

Oral
Nausea and vomiting
Adult: For the prevention and treatment of cases associated with radiotherapy or postoperative period: As cyclizine hydrochloride: 50 mg up to tid. Treatment recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: For the prevention and treatment of cases associated with radiotherapy or postoperative period: As cyclizine hydrochloride: 6-12 years 25 mg up to tid; >12 years Same as adult dose. Treatment recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).
Incompatibility
Cyclizine lactate: May be incompatible with oxytetracycline hydrochloride, chlortetracycline hydrochloride, benzylpenicillin and solutions with a pH of ≥6.8.
Contraindications
Acute alcohol intoxication.
Special Precautions
Patient with severe heart failure or acute MI, hypertension, gastrointestinal obstruction, glaucoma, underlying neuromuscular disorders, phaeochromocytoma, prostatic hyperplasia or urinary retention, compromised respiratory function (including asthma or COPD), epilepsy, history of drug abuse or acute alcohol disorder. Avoid use in patients with porphyria. Concomitant use with other CNS depressants (e.g. anaesthetics, hypnotics, tranquillisers). Hepatic impairment. Children and elderly. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Anticholinergic effects (e.g. constipation, xerostomia, blurred vision, urinary retention), CNS effects (e.g. drowsiness, sedation, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremors, seizures, insomnia); extrapyramidal symptoms and dystonic reactions.
Cardiac disorders: Tachycardia, palpitations, arrythmias.
Ear and labyrinth disorders: Tinnitus.
Eye disorders: Oculogyric crisis.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Asthenia.
Hepatobiliary disorders: Hepatic dysfunction, cholestatic jaundice, cholestatic hepatitis.
Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Loss of appetite.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Twitching, muscle spasms.
Nervous system disorders: Transient speech disorders, paraesthesia, chorea.
Psychiatric disorders: Auditory and visual hallucinations, disorientation, euphoria.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Bronchospasm, apnoea.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Urticaria, rash, angioedema, fixed drug eruption, allergic skin reaction, photosensitivity.
Vascular disorders: Hypertension, hypotension.
Patient Counseling Information
This drug may cause CNS effects which may impair motor skills, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery.
Monitoring Parameters
Assess for CNS effects (including sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms) and relief of symptoms.
Overdosage
Symptoms: Peripheral anticholinergic effects (e.g. blurred vision, tachycardia, urinary retention; dry mouth, nose, and throat) and CNS effects (e.g. drowsiness, dizziness, incoordination, ataxia, weakness, hyperexcitability, impaired judgment, disorientation, hallucinations, hyperkinesia, extrapyramidal motor disturbances, convulsion, hyperpyrexia, respiratory depression). Management: Perform gastric lavage and supportive measures for respiration and circulation if needed. Administer parenteral anticonvulsant medication in case of convulsions.
Drug Interactions
May cause additive effects with other CNS depressants (e.g. hypnotics, tranquillisers, anaesthetics, antipsychotics, barbiturates). Enhanced soporific effect of pethidine. May counteract the haemodynamic benefits of opioid analgesics. Additive anticholinergic action with other anticholinergic drugs (e.g. atropine, some antidepressants [TCAs and MAOIs]). May mask the signs of ototoxicity caused by ototoxic drugs (e.g. aminoglycoside antibacterials).
Food Interaction
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of alcohol.
Lab Interference
May suppress the wheal and flare reactions to skin test antigens.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Cyclizine, a piperazine derivative, is a histamine H1 receptor antagonist with anticholinergic and antiemetic properties. The exact mechanism by which it can prevent nausea and vomiting is unknown; however, it may inhibit the part of the midbrain collectively referred to as the emetic centre. In addition, it also increases lower oesophageal sphincter tone and decreases labyrinth apparatus sensitivity.
Onset: Within 2 hours.
Duration: Approx 4 hours.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (oral). Bioavailability: Approx 40% (oral). Time to peak plasma concentration: 4 ± 2 hours (oral); approx 2 hours (IV).
Distribution: Enters breast milk.
Metabolism: Metabolised in the liver via N-demethylation to form the relatively inactive metabolite, norcyclizine.
Excretion: Via urine (<1%, as unchanged drug). Elimination half-life: 26 ± 7 hours (oral); 13.53 ± 2.33 hours (IV).
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Cyclizine

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6726, Cyclizine. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cyclizine. Accessed June 25, 2024.

Storage
Store below 25°C. Protect from light.
MIMS Class
Antiemetics / Antivertigo Drugs
ATC Classification
R06AE03 - cyclizine ; Belongs to the class of piperazine derivatives used as systemic antihistamines.
References
Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Cyclizine. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 19/06/2024.

Cyclizine Lactate 50 mg/mL Solution for Injection (Hameln Pharma Ltd). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 19/06/2024.

Cyclizine. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 29/04/2024.

Joint Formulary Committee. Cyclizine. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 29/04/2024.

Max Health Ltd. Cyclizine Lactate 50 mg/mL Solution for Injection data sheet 15 June 2021. Medsafe. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz. Accessed 29/04/2024.

Max Health Ltd. Nausicalm 50 mg Tablet data sheet 17 January 2017. Medsafe. http://www.medsafe.govt.nz. Accessed 19/06/2024.

Valoid 50 mg Tablets (Amdipharm UK Limited). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 29/04/2024.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Cyclizine from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2025 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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