Cyclizine was first discovered in 1947 and has been used ever since to treat nausea, vomiting and vertigo caused by conditions like motion sickness and labyrinthitis.

Vomiting during pregnancy, Post-operative nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, nausea following chemotherapy and is also used to treat nausea in palliative care and migraine

There are two specific areas in the brain responsible for the symptoms of nausea & vomiting; the "vomiting centre" & the "chemoreceptor trigger zone". Cyclizine is very good at blocking nausea signals reaching these areas.

Cyclizine also blocks messages from other parts of the body, for example the inner ear in conditions such as vertigo, reaching these areas in the brain and prevents them from being activated.

Adults - 50mg up to 3 times daily

*For motion sickness, take 1-2 hours before departure*

Common side-effects include drowsiness and dry mouth.

Uncommon side-effects include headache, slowing of physical and emotional reactions, dermatitis, and double vision, GI upset, high heart rate, constipation and retention of urine

*Applies to antihistamines in general, avoid concurrent use or use with caution:

Opioid pain killers

Citalopram, escitalopram - increased risk of abnormal heart rhythm's

Increased sedative effects if alcohol and cyclizine taken together

Manufacturer advises avoid though there is no evidence of harm to the baby

Manufacturer advises avoid, though again there is no evidence for any harm and most antihistamines are present in breast milk to varying degree's