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Department

Toxicology

Preferred Sample Type

Cyclizine

Suitable Specimen Types

  • Serum
  • EDTA Plasma
  • Li Hep Plasma
A minimum of 500 µl of plasma/serum is required.

Specimen Transport

First class post

Sample Processing in Laboratory

Place sample in toxicology rack.

Sample Preparation

None required

Turnaround Time

3 days.

Sample Stability

Keep refrigerated. 4 degrees.

Cyclizine

General Information

Cyclizine is an antihistaminic drug with antiemetic and sedative effects that has been in use since 1954 for the prevention or treatment of motion sickness. The usual adult oral dose for motion sickness is 50 mg taken 30 minutes before travel and repeated 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 200 mg daily. A 50 mg i.m or i.v dose is frequently used for the treatment of post-operative vomiting or acute cardiac chest pain, and it may be repeated every 8 hours.

The adverse effects seen with cyclizine therapy include dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, drowsiness, tachycardia, urinary retention and restlessness. Cyclizine overdosage can cause central nervous system depression or stimulation, euphoria, hypertension, convulsions, coma and death from respiratory paralysis. 

Patient Preparation

For TDM, sample should be taken prior to dose. If toxicity is suspected, take sample at earliest opportunity

Notes

Cyclizine measured by HPLC-DAD.

 

Please note this assay is not currently UKAS accredited

Reference Range

Therapeutic use of cyclizine typically associated with concentrations of up to 0.25 mg/L. Toxicity is generally associated with concentrations > 0.75 mg/L. (Schulz et al. Critical Care 2012, 16:R136)

Specifications

  • EQA Scheme?: Yes
  • EQA Status: LGC QUARTZ, LGC CLIN TOX