Brand names Cinaziere, Stugeron, Stugeron Forte
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduced in the 1970s, cinnarizine is an antihistamine used mainly to control nausea and vomiting, especially motion (travel) sickness. The drug is also used to control the symptoms (nausea and vertigo) of inner ear disorders such as
labyrinthitis and Meniere’s disease.
Taken in high doses, cinnarizine has a vasodilator effect and is used to improve circulation in Raynaud’s disease and peripheral vascular disease.
Cinnarizine has adverse effects that are similar to those of most other antihistamines. Drowsiness is the most common problem, but it is usually less severe than with other antihistamines.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Follow instructions on the label. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.
How taken
Tablets, capsules.
Frequency and timing of doses
2-3 x daily. For the prevention of motion sickness, the first dose should be
taken 2 hours before travel.
Dosage range
Adults 45-90mg daily (nausea/vomiting); 150-225mg daily (circulatory disorders);
30mg, then 15mg every 8 hours as needed (motion sickness).
Children aged 5-12,15mg, then 7.5mg every 8 hours as needed (motion sickness).
Onset of effect
Within 30 minutes. Several weeks (circulation diseases).
Duration of action
Up to 8 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a
single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
If you are taking cinnarizine to treat an inner ear disorder or a circulatory
condition, do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may
recur. However, when taken for motion sickness, the drug can be safely stopped
as soon as you no longer need it.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large
overdoses may cause drowsiness or agitation. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Drowsiness is the main adverse effect of this vision and dry mouth may also
occur drug. Anticholinergic effects such as blurred occasionally.
INTERACTIONS
General note
All drugs with a sedative effect on the central nervous system may increase the
sedative properties of cinnarizine. Such drugs include sleeping drugs,
antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and opioid analgesics.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Antihistamine anti-emetic drug
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed No
Available as generic Yes
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this drug if:
You have low blood pressure. You have glaucoma.
You have an enlarged prostate.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the
baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how cinnarizine affects you because
the drug can cause drowsiness.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.
PROLONGED USE
No special problems.
