Pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous cyclizine

Funding body: Campbell Ballantyne Foundation, Clinical Pharmacology, Christchurch Hospital and Nurse Maude Hospice Palliative care service

Project description: This pilot study aimed to observe cyclizine and norcyclizine concentrations in palliative patients receiving continuous subcutaneous infusions of cyclizine to establish the range of concentrations seen in palliative patients as steady state is approached. A secondary aim was to examine the CYP2D6 status of these patients both genetically (using DNA samples) and phenotypically (using cyclizine: norcyclizine ratios). Blood samples were taken daily from day 1 – 4 and multiple blood samples were taken on day 5. An evaluation of sedation and nausea/vomiting status using a rating scale was made at each blood sample time.  A third aim was to qualitatively explore the experience of palliative patients being involved in research and their experience of receiving subcutaneous cyclizine. The qualitative part of the study was undertaken using semi-structured taped interviews on or after the final day of the study.

Project outcomes: Two journal article have been published:

Fairhall, M, Reid, K, Vella-Brincat, JWA, Walker, J, Chin, PKL, Jensen, BP, Macleod, AD & Begg, EJ. (2012). Exploring Hospice patients’ views about participating in research. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management,43(3), e9-11.

Vella-Brincat, JWA., Begg, EJ., Jensen, BP., Chin, PKL, Roberts, RL., Fairhall, M, Macleod, A(Sandy)D & Reid, K. (2011).  The Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacogenetics of the Antiemetic Cyclizine in Palliative Care Patients. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (in press March 2012).

Further information: Jane Vella-Brincat, Clinical Pharmacist, Nurse Maude Hospice Palliative care service.

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