Cyclizine and preeclampsia
Cyclizine is a medication that is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. It is also used to treat motion sickness and vertigo. Cyclizine is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine receptors in the brain. Histamine is a chemical that is released by the body in response to allergens and can cause symptoms such as itchiness, sneezing, and runny nose.
Cyclizine is in a class of medications called antiemetics. It works by blocking the action of a chemical called dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a natural substance that is responsible for controlling the vomiting reflex. Cyclizine is also used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Cyclizine can be used in pregnant women to treat nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy (pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting). However, cyclizine should be used only if other measures, such as dietary changes and ginger, have not been effective in treating pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
There is no evidence that cyclizine is harmful to the baby when used as directed. However, as with any medication, you should talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking cyclizine during pregnancy.
Cyclizine should not be used in children younger than 2 years.
Do not take cyclizine if you are allergic to it, or if you have pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland).
To make sure cyclizine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorder;
a history of seizures;
kidney or liver disease;
high blood pressure;
a stomach ulcer or intestinal blockage;
glaucoma;
an enlarged prostate;
a thyroid disorder;
urination problems; or
if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).
Cyclizine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether cyclizine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child without a doctor’s advice.
How should I take cyclizine?
Take cyclizine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use cyclizine exactly as directed.
Cyclizine is usually taken 3 times per day. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Cyclizine can be taken with or without food.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose.
To treat vertigo, you may need to take cyclizine for several days in a row. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Do not freeze the oral liquid.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since cyclizine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule.
If you are on a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, seizures, dilated pupils, cold or clammy skin, very slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking cyclizine?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Do not drink alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by cyclizine.
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:
fast or pounding heartbeats;
low blood pressure–dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath;
a seizure;
confusion, agitation, hallucinations, nightmares;
severe drowsiness;
a headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats and severe nausea or vomiting;
slow heart rate, weak pulse; or
nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite (in a child).
Common side effects may include:
drowsiness, dizziness;
blurred vision;
dry mouth;
nausea, vomiting; or
mild skin rash.
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.
Cyclizine dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Nausea/Vomiting:
Initial dose: 25 mg IM or IV once
Maintenance dose: 12.5 to 25 mg IM or IV every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum dose: 100 mg per day
Comments:
-IV administration should be used when possible; however, IM administration is also effective.
-Patients should be positioned to avoid vomiting and aspiration.
-Injections should be given slowly and with frequent Observation during administration.
Uses: For the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with:
-Vertigo
-Motion sickness
-Drug-induced emesis
-Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Usual Pediatric Dose for Nausea/Vomiting:
Oral:
1 to 2 years: 1.25 mg/kg/dose 3 times daily up to a maximum of 4 mg/kg/day
2 to 12 years: 2.5 to 5 mg/kg/dose 3 times daily up to a maximum of 40 mg/kg/day
Rectal:
1 to 2 years: 1 mg/kg once daily up to a maximum of 4 mg/kg/day
2 to 12 years: 2.5 to 5 mg/kg once daily up to a maximum of 40 mg/kg/day
Comments:
-IM and IV administration is also effective.
-IM injections should be given slowly and with frequent Observation during administration.
-May be given undiluted IV or diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection.
-If rectal administration is used, administer after meals and at bedtime.
Uses: For the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with:
-Vertigo
-Motion sickness
-Drug-induced emesis
-Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 2 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
-Oral: Should be taken with food
-Intramuscular: Inject slowly into a large muscle mass, rotate injection sites.
-Intravenous: Adult and pediatric patients may be administered undiluted or diluted with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection. Inject slowly over 3 to 5 minutes
Storage requirements:
-Should be protected from light and freezing
General:
-Because of the possibility of drowsiness and dizziness, caution should be exercised in operating vehicles or hazardous machinery and in performing tasks requiring mental alertness.
-Avoid alcoholic beverages.
-Patients should be advised that anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention) may occur.
Monitoring:
-Gastrointestinal: Frequent Observation for adverse GI effects
-Respiratory: Frequent Observation for evidence of histamine mediated bronchoconstriction Original source
The controversy surrounding cyclizine use during pregnancy
Cyclizine is a medication that is used to treat nausea and vomiting. It is available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms. Cyclizine is classified as an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that is responsible for causing vomiting.
Cyclizine has been found to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. However, there is some controversy surrounding the use of cyclizine during pregnancy. Some studies have suggested that cyclizine may be associated with an increased risk of birth defects. Other studies have not found an increased risk of birth defects with cyclizine use.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take cyclizine. ACOG also recommends that cyclizine not be used during breast-feeding.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, including cyclizine.
We used pregnancysicknesssuport.org.uk to write this article about cyclizine pregnancy. See page.