The correspondence between cyclizine and morning sickness
Cyclizine is an antihistamine that is commonly used to treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness. It is also used to treat motion sickness and vertigo. Cyclizine works by blocking histamine receptors in the brain which reduces the activity of the vomiting centre. This action helps to reduce nausea and vomiting.
Cyclizine is generally well tolerated with the most common side effects being drowsiness and dry mouth. Less common side effects include constipation, blurred vision and urinary retention. Cyclizine should not be used in pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Cyclizine has been found to be effective in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. The data on the use of cyclizine in pregnancy is limited but the available evidence suggests that it is a safe and effective treatment option for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. View Source
The effects of cyclizine on the fetus
Cyclizine is an antihistamine that is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. It is available in tablets, liquids, and injectable forms. It is also available as a suppository. Cyclizine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Cyclizine is used to treat nausea and vomiting due to seasickness, pregnancy, vertigo, and motion sickness. Cyclizine is also used to relieve pressure in the inner ear caused by ear inflammation or infection. Cyclizine is sometimes used to treat vertigo (dizziness) caused by certain ear problems. Cyclizine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important Information
You should not use cyclizine if you are allergic to it, or if you have untreated central nervous system depression.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use cyclizine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
untreated central nervous system depression (sleepiness, confusion, mood changes, anxiety, paranoia, and problems with coordination or balance);
a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
phenylketonuria (PKU).
To make sure cyclizine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorder;
a heart rhythm disorder;
a seizure;
urination problems;
kidney disease;
liver disease;
overactive thyroid;
glaucoma;
enlarged prostate, urination problems;
problems with your adrenal glands;
history of drug abuse or dependence; or
if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).
Cyclizine can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Cyclizine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
How is cyclizine given?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Cyclizine is injected into a muscle, or into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Cyclizine is sometimes given as an oral solution or elixir. If you are using the liquid form of this medicine, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
To take cyclizine by mouth, follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor.
If you are using the tablets, take them with food or after a meal.
If you take wafer-shaped tablets, do not remove the wafer from the blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Peel back the foil to remove a tablet, then place the tablet on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve quickly.
If you use the injectable form of this medicine at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.
Cyclizine doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers), and any changes may affect the dose.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Do not freeze injectable forms of this medicine.
Throw away any unused oral solution 90 days after you first opened the bottle.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since cyclizine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, confusion, agitation, vomiting, large pupils, drooling, sweating, flushing ( warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), and seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking cyclizine?
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with cyclizine.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Cyclizine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines or supplements that contain antihistamines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine.
Cyclizine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
confusion, hallucinations;
agitation, seizure (convulsions);
fast or uneven heart rate;
blurred vision; or
little or no urinating.
Common side effects may include:
drowsiness, tired feeling;
dry mouth;
constipation, upset stomach;
mild skin rash;
mild itching; or
ringing in your ears.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect cyclizine?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking cyclizine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Other drugs may affect cyclizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Visit pregnancysicknesssuport.org.uk to learn more about cyclizine when pregnant. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.