Cyclizine for Nausea

Cyclizine is an anti-sickness medicine. It's used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, including sickness caused by stomach upsets, motion sickness and inner-ear problems such as vertigo. The usual adult dose is one 50mg tablet up to three times a day. At MedsRus, our pharmacy team reviews a short online consultation before supplying cyclizine, and we send it in discreet packaging.

Cyclizine at a glance

What is cyclizine used for?

• Nausea and vomiting, for example from a stomach bug or after a migraine.
• Motion sickness on cars, boats and planes. Travelling soon? See cyclizine for travel sickness for timing tips.
• Vertigo and inner-ear problems, such as labyrinthitis or Ménière's disease, usually alongside other treatment.

Cyclizine hydrochloride is simply the full chemical name of cyclizine as it appears in the tablets. It's the same medicine.

How does cyclizine work?

Feeling sick is controlled by a part of your brain called the vomiting centre. It responds to signals from your stomach, your inner ear and your blood. Cyclizine is an antihistamine that blocks some of these signals, especially from the inner ear, so the vomiting centre is less likely to trigger nausea and vomiting.

It usually starts working within 30 minutes to an hour, and each dose lasts around 8 hours.

Cyclizine dose for adults

• Take one 50mg tablet up to three times a day, leaving at least 8 hours between doses if you can.
• Don't take more than 3 tablets in 24 hours.
• For travel sickness, take your first tablet 1 to 2 hours before you set off.
• Swallow the tablet with water. You can take it with or without food.
• Cyclizine is for short-term use. If you need it for more than a few days, see your GP to find out what's causing the sickness.

If you take too much, get medical help straight away, even if you feel fine.

Can you buy cyclizine over the counter?

Yes. In the UK, cyclizine 50mg tablets are a pharmacy medicine. You don't need a prescription, but a pharmacist needs to check it's suitable for you, which is why we ask a few questions before supplying it online. We supply it to adults aged 18 to 65, one pack per month, and may decline further orders if we have concerns.

Side effects of cyclizine

Common side effects include:

• feeling drowsy or tired;
• a dry mouth, nose or throat;
• blurred vision;
• constipation;
• headache.

Don't drive or use machinery if you feel drowsy or your vision is blurred. Don't drink alcohol, as it makes drowsiness much worse.

Rarely, cyclizine can cause a fast heartbeat, confusion, difficulty peeing, or an allergic reaction. Stop taking it and get urgent help if you have swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Who shouldn't take cyclizine?

Cyclizine may not be suitable if you have:

• glaucoma;
• an enlarged prostate, or difficulty peeing;
• epilepsy;
• severe heart failure;
• liver problems;
• porphyria.

It isn't recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, unless a doctor has advised it.

Medicines to check

Tell us if you take other medicines that cause drowsiness, such as sleeping tablets, strong painkillers, some antidepressants or other antihistamines. Cyclizine can add to their effects.

When to see a doctor about sickness

Call NHS 111 or see a GP if you can't keep fluids down for 24 hours, you've been vomiting for more than 2 days, or you have signs of dehydration. Call 999 if you vomit blood, have severe tummy pain, a sudden severe headache or a stiff neck. Our guide to anti-sickness tablets covers causes and self-care in more detail.

How to order cyclizine from MedsRus

1. Answer a few questions about your symptoms, your health and any medicines you take.
2. Our pharmacy team reviews them and, if cyclizine is suitable, approves your order.
3. We send it in discreet packaging.

Cyclizine FAQs

What is cyclizine used for?

To prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, including motion sickness and sickness from inner-ear problems.

How quickly does cyclizine work?

Usually within 30 minutes to an hour.

Does cyclizine make you sleepy?

Yes, drowsiness is one of the most common side effects. Don't drive or drink alcohol if it affects you.

Can I take cyclizine with paracetamol or ibuprofen?

Yes, they can usually be taken together.

Is cyclizine the same as cyclizine hydrochloride?

Yes. Cyclizine hydrochloride is the form of cyclizine used in the tablets.

Can I take cyclizine every day?

It's for short-term use. If you keep needing it, see your GP.

Can I drink alcohol with cyclizine?

It's best not to. Alcohol makes the drowsiness from cyclizine much worse.

Can I take cyclizine for a hangover?

We don't recommend it. Alcohol may still be in your system, and together they can make you very drowsy. Sip fluids and rest, and see a GP if the vomiting doesn't settle.

Is cyclizine addictive?

Not when it's taken as directed for a short time. It can be misused at high doses, which is dangerous, so we supply one pack a month and ask questions with every order.

Is cyclizine better than Stugeron?

Neither is better for everyone. Stugeron (cinnarizine) is another antihistamine for travel sickness and some balance problems. Both can make you drowsy. Which suits you depends on your health and other medicines, so ask us.

Further reading

• Travel sickness tablets and patches

Sources:

• NHS: Cyclizine
• NHS: Feeling sick (nausea)
• BNF: Cyclizine