Cinnarizine is an antihistamine drug. It is a sedative (sleep-inducing) agent that prevents nausea and vomiting.
Uses
What is cinnarizine used for?
Cinnarizine treats the following:
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Cerebrovascular disorders
- Motion sickness
- Vertigo and vestibular disorders (e.g. Ménière’s disease)
How should I take cinnarizine?
Swallow the tablet whole without chewing or crushing it. Take it with meals and avoid drinking alcohol. It is best to take it 2 hours before a journey, if used to prevent motion sickness.
How do I store cinnarizine?
This product is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer.
There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using cinnarizine?
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Planning to drive or operate machinery.
- Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
- An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
- Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough information about the safety of using this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication.
Side effects
What side effects can occur from cinnarizine?
Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Headache
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Hypersomnia (heavy sleep)
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Muscle rigidity
- Tremors
However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with cinnarizine?
This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.
To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Drugs with known interactions:
- Barbiturates
- Hypnotics
- Narcotic analgesics
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Sedatives and tranquilizers
- Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors
If you experience an adverse drug interaction, inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.
Does food or alcohol interact with cinnarizine?
This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. It is best to take it with meals and to avoid alcohol. Alcohol increases drowsiness and CNS depression. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with cinnarizine?
This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have, especially:
- Hypotension
- Parkinson disease
- Porphyria
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
What is the dose for an adult?
Cerebrovascular disorders
Take 75 mg once a day.
Vestibular symptoms
Take 30 mg three times a day or 75 mg 1-2 times a day.
Motion sickness
Take 30 mg two hours before travel and then 15 mg every eight hours during the journey, as necessary.
What is the dose for a child?
Vestibular symptoms
Children 5 to 12 years: 15 mg three times a day
Motion sickness
Children 5 to 12 years: 15 mg two hours before travel then 7.5 mg every eight hours during the journey as necessary.
How is cinnarizine available?
Cinnarizine is available in the following brand, dosage forms, and strengths:
- Cinnabloc 25 mg tablets, 75 mg capsules
- Dizzinon Forte 75 mg capsules
- Gorizine 25 mg tablets
- Vertisin 25 mg tablets
- Stugeron 25 mg tablets
- Stugeron Forte 75 mg capsules
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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