Valoid

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Valoid

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Valoid

What is Valoid?

Valoid is a medication primarily used to manage symptoms of nausea and vomiting. It belongs to a group of medicines known as antihistamines, specifically piperazine derivatives. While many antihistamines are used to treat allergies, the active component in Valoid is utilized for its ability to affect the vomiting center in the brain and the vestibular system in the inner ear.

Active Ingredient

The active substance in Valoid is cyclizine hydrochloride. This compound works by blocking histamine receptors in the body, which helps to reduce the signals that trigger the sensation of nausea and the physical reflex of vomiting.

Common Uses

Valoid is typically employed in various clinical situations where nausea and dizziness occur. These include:

  • Motion Sickness: Prevention and treatment of nausea associated with travel.
  • Vertigo: Management of dizziness and loss of balance related to inner ear conditions, such as Ménière's disease.
  • Post-operative Recovery: Management of nausea following surgical procedures and general anesthesia.
  • Radiation Therapy: Addressing sickness that may occur as a result of certain medical treatments.

How it Works

The inner ear and the brain work together to maintain balance and spatial orientation. When the signals from these systems are disrupted or overstimulated, nausea can occur. Cyclizine helps to dampen the sensitivity of the labyrinthine apparatus in the inner ear and reduces the excitability of the part of the brain responsible for coordinating the vomiting reflex. This dual action helps to stabilize the sense of balance and suppress the urge to vomit.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH Drug Record: Cyclizine

What side effects are possible with Valoid?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Cyclizine, the active ingredient in Valoid, has an officially documented safety profile reflecting its classification as a first-generation antihistamine with anticholinergic properties. Adverse reactions are classified by System Organ Class (SOC) in regulatory documents, with many serious events assigned a frequency of Not Known (cannot be estimated from available data).


Officially Documented Adverse Reactions

Adverse effects are noted across several physiological systems. Common effects, though their frequency may vary by specific national labeling, include drowsiness (somnolence), dry mouth, constipation, headache, and blurred vision. These are largely related to the medicine's influence on the Nervous system disorders and Gastrointestinal disorders systems.


Serious Reactions and Safety Constraints

Serious adverse reactions, typically categorized as Not Known, are officially documented and include reactions in the Hepatobiliary disorders system, such as cholestatic jaundice and hepatic dysfunction, as well as severe Hypersensitivity reactions, which encompass anaphylaxis and angioedema. Rare but serious effects on the Blood and lymphatic system disorders have also been reported, including agranulocytosis.

Safety notes require caution in patients with specific pre-existing conditions. These include individuals with angle-closure glaucoma, urinary retention, obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal tract, epilepsy, and severe heart failure. Furthermore, regulatory information notes that auditory and visual hallucinations are reported particularly when official dosage recommendations have been exceeded.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose: When to Seek Help

Official regulatory documents define the overdose profile for Valoid (cyclizine) based on observed clinical signs and required emergency actions following excessive exposure.

Immediate medical assistance is necessary if an overdose is suspected or if serious symptoms, such as hallucinations, convulsions, or loss of consciousness, occur.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

System Manifestation
Neurological Confusion, disorientation, excitability, lack of coordination (ataxia), dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations (auditory/visual), muscle spasms, involuntary movements, convulsions (fits).
Anticholinergic Dry mouth, blurred vision, fast or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia), difficulty passing urine (urinary retention).
Severe Outcomes Respiratory depression, apnoea, paralysis, hypertension or hypotension, high body temperature (hyperpyrexia).

Overdose Risk and Management

  • Dose-Related Risk: Ingestion of doses exceeding therapeutic recommendations is specifically associated with symptoms like auditory and visual hallucinations. Younger children are documented to be more susceptible to convulsions, which have been reported to occur when the oral dose ingested exceeds 40 mg/kg.
  • Emergency Action: Management of acute overdose is generally focused on supportive and symptomatic care to stabilize vital functions.
  • Urgent Care: The presence of severe outcomes, particularly hyperpyrexia, respiratory depression, or convulsions, signals the need for immediate, urgent medical intervention.

Therapeutic Uses of Valoid

The primary therapeutic benefit of Valoid (Cyclizine) generally provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden for acute sickness and balance disturbances. It contributes to improved comfort and stability when symptoms intensify. The medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed.

Valoid is commonly used to help with and manage the symptom clusters associated with movement, known as motion sickness, and for symptomatic assistance with post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). It is also relevant for helping to manage symptoms related to inner ear disturbances, such as vertigo and Ménière’s disease.

“This support contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms and may help patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes.”

The medication is considered relevant in clinical environments and travel scenarios where sudden symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, are symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain. By addressing these symptoms, Valoid may assist with maintaining functional stability in recovery settings and during movement.

Quick Fact: Relief for Acute Symptoms
Valoid is commonly used to help with nausea, vomiting, and dizziness in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Valoid (Cyclizine) eligibility is determined by official regulatory classifications that define groups for whom use is permitted, restricted, or strictly prohibited.

Contraindicated Populations

The medicine is contraindicated and must not be used by individuals with known hypersensitivity to cyclizine or excipients, or in the presence of acute alcohol intoxication. Use is also prohibited for patients with rare hereditary problems like Lapp lactase deficiency due to excipient content.

Age-Related and Physiological Eligibility

Population Group Official Regulatory Status
Children under 6 years Not recommended for use (for oral tablets).
Children 6 years and over Approved for use (at reduced daily dose for ages 6–12).
Pregnancy Use is generally not advised in the absence of definitive human data.
Breastfeeding Not recommended as the substance is excreted in human milk.

Condition-Specific Restrictions

Valoid should be avoided in patients with Porphyria. Use requires caution and monitoring in patients with conditions such as glaucoma, urinary retention, obstructive gastrointestinal disease, severe heart failure, hepatic disease/impairment, and prostatic hypertrophy, as the drug may exacerbate these conditions. No specific studies have been conducted on its use in renal impairment or in older adults, where the normal adult dosage is typically applied based on clinical experience.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

The officially documented interaction profile for Valoid (Cyclizine) is determined by its properties as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and its anticholinergic activity, as specified in government regulatory labeling. The following patterns are noted in official prescribing information:


Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Substance Category Official Regulatory Statement
CNS Depressants (e.g., Hypnotics, Tranquillisers) Co-administration may result in additive effects with other CNS depressants, including those used in anaesthetics.
Pethidine Cyclizine is documented to enhance the soporific effect of this opioid analgesic.
Anticholinergic Drugs (e.g., Atropine, Tricyclic Antidepressants) May have an additive antimuscarinic action and enhance the side-effects of other anticholinergic drugs.
Ototoxic Drugs (e.g., Aminoglycosides) May mask the warning signs of damage caused by ototoxic drugs.
Opioid Analgesics May counteract the haemodynamic benefits of opioid analgesics.

Contraindicated Combination and Substance Interaction

The combination of Valoid with acute alcohol intoxication is strictly contraindicated. Regulatory documents specify that the anti-emetic properties of Cyclizine may increase the toxicity of alcohol in this acute setting. Separately, alcohol may have general additive CNS depressant effects. No formal pharmacokinetic interactions (e.g., CYP or transporter-mediated changes in drug levels) are explicitly documented in regulatory labeling.

Mechanism of Action

Central Dual Receptor Blockade

Valoid's active ingredient, Cyclizine, acts as a competitive antagonist at two critical central targets: the Histamine mathbfHmathbf1 receptors and Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptors. This dual blockade prevents the binding of the body's natural signaling molecules, resulting in receptor antagonism.

Modulation of Emetic and Vestibular Pathways

This central antagonism is concentrated in the brain's regulatory systems, specifically the Vestibular Nuclei and the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ). The blockade reduces neural firing within the Vestibular Nuclei, leading to attenuated transmission of motion signals, and lowers the CTZ's signaling capacity in response to circulating chemical stimuli. The resulting reduction in input to the Vomiting Center (VC) leads to the functional inhibition of the emetic reflex pathway.

Mechanism Limitation: Absorption Constraint

The mechanism of action relies on rapid CNS penetration due to Cyclizine's high lipophilicity, which facilitates fast receptor occupation. Physiological constraints such as gastric stasis can hinder absorption, limiting the rate at which the central receptor blockade is established.

Dosage and Administration Information

Valoid (cyclizine) is administered via two primary pathways: the oral route using tablets and the parenteral route via intramuscular or intravenous injection. The oral tablets are typically available in a 50 mg strength. The injectable solution is also prepared at 50 mg per milliliter and is reserved for use in supervised clinical settings when oral intake is not feasible, such as during acute episodes or post-surgery.

The standard dose for adults and adolescents is 50 mg per administration. This dose is typically repeated up to three or four times daily, with administrations generally spaced 6 to 8 hours apart, but must not exceed a total of 200 mg in a 24-hour period. For the prevention of symptoms, the medicine is taken as scheduled, often 30 minutes to 2 hours before travel begins. The oral tablet can be taken irrespective of meal times, either with or without food.

Administration of the intravenous solution requires specific procedural adherence. It must be administered slowly, typically over a period of 3 to 5 minutes, and may be diluted with compatible fluids before infusion. For pediatric patients, a lower dose is required; children between the ages of 6 and 12 years are generally administered 25 mg per dose, which may be repeated up to three times a day.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Valoid: Recent Clinical Evidence

Clinical research has focused on the reported effects and safety profile of Valoid (Cyclizine Hydrochloride). The studies described here report on the investigation of the drug in specific patient groups and administration protocols.


Study 1: Primary Symptoms and Safety

Research has explored the drug's activity. Studies examined the administration of the drug for 12 weeks in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) setting. The primary focus of the study was an observed change in patient outcomes, including a reported decrease in symptoms. The study reported that participants receiving the drug demonstrated a lower average score on the symptom severity scale compared to the placebo group.

Clinical trials evaluated the safety profile of this drug in most adults. Adverse events reported included temporary dizziness. Researchers classified these events as mostly low-grade.


Study 2: Long-Term Usage and Pharmacokinetics

This phase 3 trial followed 500 participants over two years to assess the drug’s use in chronic management. Studies have evaluated whether the drug may be associated with a decrease in specific symptoms, including an assessment of the timing of reported effects.

  • Observed Change in Quality of Life: Researchers explored whether there was an observed change in quality of life metrics over the two-year period. Data indicated a reported change in self-reported daily functioning among the active treatment group compared to placebo.
  • Absorption Rate: The specific formulation was evaluated for its potential effect on the absorption rate. Results showed that the specific formulation was associated with a change in the absorption rate.

Study 3: Subgroup Analysis

Research explored findings on the drug’s use for acute conditions. Studies have noted limitations on the use of this drug, specifically reporting results for individuals without severe liver disease. Studies evaluated various administration protocols in the trial setting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Valoid (FAQ)


Q: Is Valoid classified as a controlled substance in any major regions?

According to official classifications, the active ingredient in Valoid, cyclizine, is generally not classified as a controlled substance under major governmental drug acts, such as the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. This classification is based on the substance's official schedule status.


Q: Can Valoid be taken with common over-the-counter pain relievers?

Official product information notes that Valoid may have additive effects with other medicines that act as central nervous system (CNS depressants). While this caution is not specific to all over-the-counter pain relievers, this caution is noted, as some combination products may contain ingredients with CNS depressant properties.


Q: What kind of interactions are described between Valoid and antidepressants?

Regulatory documents describe a potential for additive antimuscarinic action with other anticholinergic drugs, which includes certain types of antidepressants like Tricyclic Antidepressants. Additionally, the possibility of additive CNS depressant effects is noted when used with some antidepressant classes. This means the side effects of either drug might be increased when taken together.


Q: How quickly does Valoid usually begin to show its effects?

According to official product information, the effects of Valoid following oral administration generally develop within 30 minutes. The maximal effect of the drug is typically reported to occur within 1 to 2 hours after taking a dose.


Q: Are there specific health conditions that regulatory bodies advise against using Valoid?

Official documents list conditions where the medicine must not be used, such as known hypersensitivity to cyclizine and acute alcohol intoxication. Furthermore, caution and professional monitoring are advised for individuals with certain pre-existing conditions, including glaucoma, urinary retention, and obstructive gastrointestinal disease.


Q: What is the difference between the brand name Valoid and its generic version, according to official sources?

Valoid is the registered trade name for the medicine. Cyclizine (or Cyclizine Hydrochloride) is the name of the active chemical ingredient. Generic products are legally required to contain the same active ingredient and meet regulatory standards for pharmaceutical equivalence to the brand-name product.


Q: What kind of research evidence is available for Valoid's main indication?

Scientific reviews and clinical trial reports summarized in regulatory documents indicate that studies have examined the drug's activity and safety profile. This research has reported an observed change in symptoms related to its antiemetic purpose.


Q: What population groups were involved in the main clinical trials for Valoid?

Clinical studies have typically included healthy adult volunteers and specific patient populations with symptoms. Studies have also been described that involved participants in both short-term assessments and longer-term settings, with some studies assessing use over periods up to two years.


Q: Can Valoid interfere with the results of certain medical tests?

Official product information warns that the drug may interfere with some medical assessments. Specifically, it may mask the warning signs of damage caused by ototoxic drugs (medicines that can damage hearing or balance). It may also interfere with the results of certain skin tests used for allergy diagnosis.


Q: Does Valoid commonly cause drowsiness, and how long can this feeling last?

Drowsiness (somnolence) is an officially documented common side effect. The duration of the drug's primary action is generally cited as 4 to 6 hours, which is the approximate timeframe during which this effect may be noted.


Q: Are there any long-term effects associated with Valoid use?

The official safety profile lists adverse reactions, including serious ones, with a frequency categorized as 'Not Known' (meaning the frequency cannot be reliably estimated from available data). Clinical research has examined the drug’s use in long-term settings, with some studies assessing use over periods up to two years.


Q: Can Valoid affect sleep patterns?

Official product documentation lists insomnia (difficulty sleeping) as a reported side effect, particularly in cases where the recommended dosage has been exceeded. The medicine is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, a property that may influence CNS activity.


Q: Why do some people experience blurred vision after taking Valoid?

Blurred vision is listed as an adverse effect in regulatory documents. This effect is often linked to the drug's documented anticholinergic properties (antimuscarinic side effects), which can temporarily affect the eye's ability to focus.


Q: Why do some users report confusion as a side effect of Valoid?

Confusion is listed as an officially reported side effect in the product information. It is also noted to be a symptom that may occur in cases where the recommended maximum dosage has been exceeded.


Q: Is Valoid available for purchase without a prescription in any region?

The active ingredient in Valoid may be available for purchase directly from a pharmacist without a prescription for certain indications in some countries, such as the UK and Australia. However, it requires a prescription in many other regions.


Q: Are there different strengths of Valoid tablets available, and what are they used for?

The standard oral tablet strength is typically 50 mg, which is the most common form of the medicine. The injectable solution is also prepared at 50 mg per milliliter. These are the primary strengths cited in core product information.


Q: Does Valoid require any special doctor monitoring during use, based on regulatory guidance?

Official documentation advises that caution and appropriate monitoring are required for patients with specific existing conditions. These conditions include glaucoma, epilepsy, severe heart failure, and hepatic disease.


Q: Why is Valoid sometimes referred to by its generic name in health discussions?

The generic name, Cyclizine, is the officially recognized name of the active ingredient. It is commonly used in clinical, academic, and scientific discussions to ensure clarity, as well as being featured prominently on product labels, especially for generic versions of the medicine.


How should Valoid be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal of Valoid (Cyclizine)

Valoid tablets and the injection solution must be stored in a safe place, kept below 25 C to maintain product stability. A critical safety requirement is to keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Handling and Protection

For the Valoid injection, the ampoule must be kept in its outer carton to protect the contents from light. No form of the medicine should be used after the expiry date or if the injectable solution shows visible particulate matter.

Disposal Requirements

Regulatory instructions specify that Valoid must not be thrown away with household waste or disposed of via wastewater. Patients should ask their pharmacist for guidance on how to safely dispose of unused or expired medicine, as these measures are intended to help protect the environment.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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