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Antihistamine·Gastrointestinal - Antiemetics
PONV, motion sickness, palliative care nausea, inner ear pathology
Max Dose
150 mg/day
Half-life
20 h
Heart Failure
CAUTION
Anticholinergic
HIGH
Overview
First-generation antihistamine with strong anticholinergic properties. Highly effective for motion sickness, vestibular nausea, and opioid-induced nausea.
Maximum Dose
Max 150 mg/day.
Clinical Focus
Cyclizine drops cardiac output (negative inotrope). Use with extreme caution in severe heart failure.
Bottom Line
Cyclizine is a first-line antiemetic for vestibular and opioid-induced nausea, but causes sedation and anticholinergic effects and must be avoided in heart failure (reduces cardiac output).
Brand Names
Valoid, Nausicalm
Oral Routes
Tablets (50 mg).
Parenteral
Ampoules (50 mg/1 mL) for IV / IM / SC.
Prescribing & PBS
Pharmacy Medicine (S3 PO). Prescription (S4 Ampoules).
Primary
PONV, motion sickness, palliative care nausea, inner ear pathology.
Clinical Place
Excellent second-line agent when Ondansetron fails or causes intolerable constipation/headache.