Do you also feel dizzy, nauseous, or sick to your stomach when you travel long distances on a bus, van, or ship? In medical terms, we call this condition 'Motion Sickness'. When you go to see a doctor at a time like this, one of the most common medications that is prescribed is Cyclizine. So, it is very important to be fully aware of this medication that is used by many people. Let's talk about it simply today.
What is Cyclizine?
Simply put, cyclizine is a type of antihistamine . You might think that antihistamines are a type of medicine used to treat allergies. Yes, that's true. But this drug has another special ability. That is, it reduces the activity of the centers in our brain that control vomiting and dizziness.
That's why this medicine is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness that occur during travel. Sometimes doctors also recommend it for vomiting caused by other medical conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Although Cyclizine is a medicine that can be easily purchased from a pharmacy, it may interact with some medical conditions in your body. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, never take this medicine without telling your doctor.
| Condition/Occasion | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The process of eliminating medication from the body may be affected. |
| Respiratory diseases (e.g. asthma, emphysema ) | There is an increased risk of respiratory distress. |
| Difficulty urinating or prostate problems | These problems may become more severe. |
| Stomach or intestinal problems | Some problems may increase due to the effectiveness of the medication. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Avoid taking without medical advice. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | The medicine can be taken with milk. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | There is also a possibility of developing an allergy to Cyclizine. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Take this medicine with a glass of water. To prevent motion sickness, it is best to take the medicine about 30 minutes before traveling . Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
Important: You should be very careful when giving this medicine to children. Although it is sometimes recommended for children over 6 years of age, it should be done only on the advice of a doctor. Also, the body of people over 65 years of age may react a little more strongly to this medicine. Therefore, they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
What to do if you overdose or forget to take your medication?
If the dosage of the medicine is increased (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
If you miss a dose of medication (Missed Dose)
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Cyclizine may interact with other medications you are taking. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter, traditional, herbal), as well as any supplements you are taking.
Cyclizine may interact with these things in particular:
- Alcohol
- Some medicines for colds, coughs, or asthma
- Sleeping pills
- Narcotic medicines
- Other medications for motion sickness (e.g. Scopolamine)
- Smoking and illegal drug use
Things to consider when taking Cyclizine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medication affects your body.
- Changing positions: Getting up suddenly from a sitting or standing position can cause dizziness. This is especially important for older people.
- Dry mouth: This is a common side effect. You can manage this by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on a sweet tooth, or drinking water frequently.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Using lubricating drops may provide relief. If the problem persists, see an eye doctor.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like all medications, this one can have side effects, but not everyone gets them.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
|
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How to store the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . Store at room temperature (between 15-25 degrees Celsius). Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Cyclizine is a medicine for motion sickness. Always use it only as prescribed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all other medications you are taking.
- Avoid driving and activities that require alertness, as this medication may cause drowsiness.
- Avoid taking this medication with alcohol, as it may increase side effects.
- Never share the medicine prescribed for you with others.
- Seek immediate medical advice in case of overdose or severe side effects.
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