Cyclizine

Clinical question 2g:

What is the effect of cyclizine in the treatment of nausea and/or vomiting in patients in the palliative phase of cancer, heart failure, COPD, MS, ALS or renal failure?

Recommendation

Due to a lack of research and clinical experience, no recommendations can be made about the use of cyclizine in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in patients in the palliative phase.

Introduction

Cyclizine is an antihistamine drug with weak anticholinergic and strong anti-emetogenic properties. The drug is frequently used in England. In the Netherlands, it is registered for travel sickness and for nausea and vomiting as a result of various causes, including opioid use and radiotherapy.

Literature discussion

No literature has been found on the effect of cyclizine on nausea and vomiting in patients in the palliative phase.

No statement can be made about the effectiveness of cyclizine for nausea and vomiting in patients in the palliative phase.

Cyclizine is not commonly used in the Netherlands for patients in the palliative phase. Members of the guideline development group do not have experience with the drug.