Cyclizine
Cyclizine is an antihistamine used for nausea and vomiting including motion sickness and sometimes pregnancy-related sickness under medical supervision. It can cause drowsiness — caution with driving.
This medicine is part of the Stomach acid & reflux category.
Generic name: cyclizine
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Cyclizine is an antihistamine used for nausea and vomiting including motion sickness and sometimes pregnancy-related sickness under medical supervision.
How long does it take to work?
Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review.
What are common side effects?
Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, or constipation.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Cyclizine with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Cyclizine is used for
Cyclizine is an antihistamine used for nausea and vomiting including motion sickness and sometimes pregnancy-related sickness under medical supervision.
It can cause drowsiness — caution with driving.
How does Cyclizine work, and how long does it take to work?
It reduces signals in the vomiting centre via histamine pathways.
Sedation is more pronounced than with some newer antiemetics.
How and when should you take Cyclizine?
Tablets or injections as prescribed — often up to three times daily for adults within maximum limits.
Take before travel for motion sickness if your pharmacist advises that timing.
What are the common side effects of Cyclizine?
Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, or constipation.
Serious side effects of Cyclizine — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for severe allergic reaction, confusion, or inability to pass urine.
What if you miss a dose of Cyclizine?
Take when needed within daily limits for symptomatic use.
Who should not take Cyclizine?
Narrow-angle glaucoma, severe urinary retention, and some children’s ages per product licence. Alcohol increases sedation.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Cyclizine? — other interactions
Other sedating drugs, opioids, and alcohol are additive.
Cyclizine in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Often used in pregnancy under prescriber advice — discuss breastfeeding.
Blood tests and monitoring on Cyclizine
Older adults may need lower doses to reduce confusion risk.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Cyclizine?
Ondansetron, prochlorperazine, or ginger-based approaches for mild motion sickness may be discussed.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Cyclizine
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Cyclizine used for?
- Cyclizine is an antihistamine used for nausea and vomiting including motion sickness and sometimes pregnancy-related sickness under medical supervision. It can cause drowsiness — caution with driving.
- How long does Cyclizine take to work?
- Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Cyclizine with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Cyclizine with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Cyclizine?
- Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, or constipation. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Can I drive on cyclizine?
- Drowsiness is common at first — avoid driving or machinery until you know how you react.
- Is cyclizine available over the counter?
- Some pharmacies supply it for motion sickness after a consultation; rules vary by product and age.
Need personalised advice?
Your local pharmacist or GP surgery can help with questions about your medicines, side effects, and alternatives that may be suitable for you.
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