cyclizine lactate: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Confirm that the injectable route and a licensed adult indication are appropriate.
• Administer intravenously slowly; rapid administration can produce toxicity-like effects.
• Consider anticholinergic burden, sedation, cardiovascular status, liver disease and potential misuse.
• Take particular care with intravenous use in people with neuromuscular disorders because transient paralysis has been reported.

Contraindications and cautions

• Hypersensitivity to cyclizine lactate or a product excipient
• Acute alcohol intoxication
• Avoid in porphyria; the SmPC lists this as a precaution rather than a formal contraindication

Monitoring

• Observe blood pressure, heart rate and clinical response, particularly after intravenous administration or in significant cardiac disease.
• Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and additive effects with central nervous system depressants.
• Assess for urinary retention, worsening glaucoma, bowel obstruction symptoms and other anticholinergic effects.
• Watch the injection site and assess promptly for abnormal movements, reduced consciousness, hepatic symptoms or hypersensitivity.
• Remain alert to patterns suggesting misuse or dependence.

Clinical pharmacology

A piperazine H1-receptor antagonist with anticholinergic and antiemetic activity. It reduces vestibular sensitivity, increases lower oesophageal sphincter tone and may inhibit the central vomiting pathway; the precise antiemetic mechanism remains uncertain.

Formulation and product differences

• Both selected products are single-use injectable solutions for intramuscular or intravenous administration.
• Product naming, pack presentation and exact appearance wording differ; consult the relevant product SmPC for storage, compatibility and handling details.
• The selected injectable products are not licensed for children.

Injection

Route: Parenteral

Strengths: 50 mg, 50 mg/mL