What are Cyclizine tablets?
Cyclizine tablets are an anti-histamine. They are an anti-sickness medicine and can help you stop feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting).
They come as Cyclizine 50mg tablets and are also known as Cyclizine Hydrochloride 50mg tablets.
They can be used to treat various different types of sickness including morning sickness, vertigo, motion sickness and for inner ear problems such as Ménière's disease.
You can buy cyclizine from a pharmacy for travel sickness after a suitability check. Other causes of nausea need assessment by a prescriber.
How it works
They are an anti-histamine and they stop histamine from sending signals to your brain that can make you feel sick.
Can I buy Cyclizine over the counter?
Cyclizine can be supplied from a pharmacy for travel sickness after a suitability check. For other causes of nausea or vomiting, a prescriber needs to assess the cause and decide whether cyclizine is appropriate.
How to take Cyclizine Tablets
Adults and children over 12: one 50mg tablet up to three times daily if needed. Children aged 6 to 12: half a tablet (25mg) up to three times daily, following the pack or clinician’s directions. Do not give these tablets to children under six.
For travel sickness, take the first dose one to two hours before departure. It can be taken with or without food. It usually starts working in about 30 minutes, with fuller effect after one to two hours. Avoid alcohol. Do not drive or use tools or machines if sleepy, dizzy or otherwise affected.
Who cannot take Cyclizine
Cyclizine tablets can be used from age six, with a lower child dose. Do not take them if you are allergic to an ingredient or acutely intoxicated with alcohol. It should be avoided in porphyria. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about other conditions, including:
- Have previously had an allergic reaction to Cyclizine
- Suffer with glaucoma
- Have problems urinating (peeing)
- Have a condition such as Crohn's, hernias or colon cancer
- Have liver problems
- Suffer with epilepsy or other condition that causes seizures or fits
- Have bowel obstruction
- Have high blood pressure
- Have heart failure
- Have a tumour called phaeochromocytoma
- Have a serious blood disorder called porphyria
If you have an allergy test booked, tell the clinic you take cyclizine and ask when you should stop it before the test.
How to order Cyclizine online
You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Cyclizine tablets online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK and offer free delivery and next day delivery. As these tablets are a 'Pharmacy-only' (P) medicine a pharmacist needs to have a consultation to make sure treatment is appropriate before you can purchase this medication. If you need them for any other purpose than treating travel sickness, they will be prescribed by our prescriber, at no additional charge.
Upon completion of your order, our pharmacist will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
Cyclizine and pregnancy
It is not known to be harmful to the baby if taken while pregnant and is commonly given for morning sickness.
Cyclizine and breastfeeding
It can be taken while breastfeeding if your doctor or midwife says so, but it should only be taken occasionally for a short time. It does pass into breast milk but the amount is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby. It may make the baby slightly more sleepy. If the baby does not feed as well, seems irritable or unusually sleepy contact your GP, midwife or health visitor. There may be better options for anti-sickness while you're breastfeeding.
Help with nausea
To help with nausea or vomiting alongside any treatment you are taking you can:
- Make sure you get plenty of fresh air
- Take regular sips of a cold drink
- Drink peppermint tea
- Eat foods or drink, drinks containing ginger
- Eat smaller meals
- Eat slower
- Eat light, bland foods (such as saltine crackers or plain bread).
You should avoid:
- Cooking strong-smelling food
- Greasy or fried food
- Eating quickly
- Large meals
- Lying down after eating
- Clothes that are tight against your waist or stomach
If you are vomiting:
- Make sure you are hydrated
- Avoiding solid food until the vomiting episode has passed
- Rest as much as possible
If your vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours, you may need oral rehydration sachets. Keep an eye out for any signs of dehydration such as:
- Dry lips and mouth
- Rapid breathing or pulse
- Sunken eyes
Cyclizine side effects
These tablets are generally well tolerated in most children and adults but as with all medication it can have side effects which include:
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Constipation
Drinking plenty of water and getting enough fibre in your diet can help alleviate these symptoms. If you suffer any of the following symptoms contact 111 or your GP for further advice:
- Feel extremely sleepy
- Heart rate increases or is irregular
- Feel like you can't breathe
- Have bleeding that will not stop
- You have symptoms of liver damage including yellowing of the skin and eyes
If you take more than the recommended dose, contact NHS 111 or a doctor immediately, even if you have no symptoms. Do not take more while awaiting advice. Call 999 for breathing difficulty, collapse, seizures or severe uncontrolled movements.
- Have uncontrolled movements
- Have fits or seizures
- Have hallucinations
Driving
You can drive while taking this medication, but do not drive if you do not know how they will affect you. If you find they make you feel dizzy, drowsy or sleepy do not drive or operate any machinery.
Cyclizine interactions
Tell your pharmacist about all medicines you take; important interactions include:
- Clozapine
- Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Tranylcypromine
- Medicines that can cause the same side effects as Cyclizine as it can make them worse such as a dry mouth, struggle urinating headaches etc.
- Strong painkillers such as morphine
- Alcohol – avoid it because it can increase drowsiness and breathing problems.
Please note: As this medication is anti-histamine you should avoid taking any other anti-histamines even if you are taking them for allergies, while taking this medication such as Cetirizine, Loratadine etc.
You should also be aware that any herbal or alternative remedies you take may also interact with this medication and cause side effects. If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your GP, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
For a full list of interactions see: Cyclizine interactions.
Cyclizine Alternatives
If you find these tablets do not work for you there are other alternatives you can try:
- Buccastem M tablets
- Prochlorperazine tablets
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclizine while pregnant?
It is not known to be harmful to the baby if taken while pregnant and is commonly given for morning sickness.
Can you buy Cyclizine over the counter?
It can be bought from a pharmacy for travel sickness after a suitability check. Other causes of sickness require a prescriber’s assessment.
How many Cyclizine tablets can I take in one day?
Adults and children over 12 can take up to three 50mg tablets in 24 hours. Children aged 6 to 12 have a lower maximum of three half-tablets (75mg) in 24 hours. Follow the supplied pack and do not combine antihistamines unless advised.
Can I take Cyclizine while breastfeeding?
It is generally accepted as safe to take while breastfeeding as a minimal amount passes into the breast milk. It may cause your baby to be slightly more sleepy than usual. If you notice your baby is unusually tired, irritable or not feeding well contact your GP, midwife or health visitor.
Are there any long term effects of taking Cyclizine?
The duration depends on the cause of sickness. Longer-term use should be reviewed by your prescriber. Cyclizine can be misused, and taking higher doses can cause serious effects; do not increase your dose or keep taking it indefinitely without advice.
What age do I need to be to take Cyclizine?
Cyclizine is licensed in those who are 6 years and over. To buy them online from our pharmacy you will need to be aged 18 or over
Do Cyclizine tablets expire?
Yes, like most medicines it has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them, the expiry date refers to the end of the month. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store Cyclizine?
They should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Storing the tablets incorrectly could result in the tablets becoming less effective.
How long does Cyclizine last?
You will usually see an effect after around 30 minutes. It reaches a maximum effect after 1-2 hours and will last for between 4-6 hours.
Will Cyclizine work?
It is well known and is widely used as anti-sickness treatment.
Can I take Cyclizine with my allergy medication?
If your allergy medication is also an anti-histamine such as Cetirizine, Loratadine, Fexofenadine or Chlorphenamine you cannot take them together, as this will cause an increase in side effects.
Can I take Cyclizine with alcohol?
Alcohol should be avoided, as combining the two can make you sleep very deeply, it can also affect your breathing and cause difficulty in waking up. The anti-vomiting properties can also cause an increase likelihood of alcohol poisoning
Is it safe to buy Cyclizine from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worst harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.
