Explanation

Cyclizine hydrochloride (also called Valoid®) is a medicine that you take if you have had an operation or are having radiotherapy to stop you feeling sick or being sick. You can also take it to help you if you get travel sickness.

It is called an anti-emetic drug.

Cyclizine hydrochloride belongs of a family of medicines called anti-histamines.

What does it do?

Cyclizine hydrochloride probably works by blocking chemicals in your brain that make you feel sick.

What does it look like?

Cyclizine hydrochloride comes as a tablet that you swallow with a big glass of water.

When do I have to take it?

You will most probably need to take a dose of cyclizine hydrochloride three times a day.

Your doctor will tell you when you should take your cyclizine hydrochloride.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

If you don't take your cyclizine hydrochloride, then the operation or radiotherapy you are having will most likely make you feel sick.

If you don't want to feel sick, then you need to take your cyclizine hydrochloride!

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take your cyclizine hydrochloride and you feel sick, just take it when you remember and carry on taking it as usual.

If you don't feel sick, just take it when you next would usually. Don't take twice as much next time to catch up.

Remember the three Ds: Don't Double Dose!

How much do I take?

How much you take depends on how old you are and how much you weigh. Your doctor will tell you exactly how much you need to take. You will most likely need to take it three times every day.

Don't forget to take your cyclizine hydrochloride. Even if the adults looking after you forget - go and remind them!

What are the most likely side effects I might get?

The side effects you are most likely to get with cyclizine hydrochloride are:

A red rash on your skin

Feeling sleepy

Headache

Dry mouth

Blurry vision

A faster than normal heartbeat

Not weeing as often as usual

Being constipated (finding it hard to poo)

Feeling restless or fidgety

Feeling nervous

Finding it hard to sleep

What other side effects might I get?

Some other, less likely, side effects you might get from cyclizine hydrochloride include:

Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (especially if you take too much)

Twitching or problems moving

Feeling dizzy

Feeling confused

Having problems talking

Feeling tingling on your skin

Cyclizine hydrochloride can also make your blood pressure go up when you're taking it.

Are there any other side effects you haven't mentioned?

There are some other side effects that you could get, although these are rare. They include:

Feeling itchy, getting yellow skin, pale coloured poo and dark wee. This is caused by a problem with your liver. Tell your doctor if you notice this

Anaphylaxis. This needs to be treated straight away. Tell your doctor or hospital immediately if your face, arms or legs suddenly start to swell up, or you start finding it hard to breathe

A sudden risk of getting more infections (caused by not having enough white blood cells)

A pain above your tummy on the right side of your body (this is caused by other problems with your liver

Is it safe for me to be taking cyclizine hydrochloride?

Before you take cyclizine hydrochloride, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

You should also tell your doctor about any other medical problems that you know you have, especially if you have:

Glaucoma

Problems with your heart

Porphyria

Problems when you eat anything that has galactose (a type of sugar) in it

A problem with your kidneys

Is it ok for me to take cyclizine hydrochloride if I am taking any other medicines?

Make sure you tell your doctor about all the other medicines you're taking.

You should also mention things you're taking for other medical problems, including drugs, special foods or herbal remedies.

It's especially important to tell your doctor if you're taking:

A painkiller called pethidine (also called Demerol)

A certain type of medicine called anti-cholinergic drugs. These include some medicines to treat asthma and to treat some stomach or digestive problems.

Do I need to know anything else about cyclizine hydrochloride?

If you have a problem with your kidneys, your doctor may tell you to take less cyclizine hydrochloride.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with cancer in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.