Cinnarizine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

 

Popular brand names:

Sandoz cinnarizine, Stugeron

Drug group:

Antihistamine, anti-emetic drug

Prescription needed?

No

 

What does it do?

Cinnarizine is an antihistamine used to treat:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Motion/travel sickness
• Labyrinthitis and Ménière’s disease (inner ear disorders causing vertigo and nausea)

 

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tablets/capsules: taken 2–3 x daily
• Motion sickness: adults = 30mg 2 hours before travel, then 15mg every 8 hours as needed; children (aged 5–12yrs) = 15mg 2 hours before travel, then 7.5mg every 8 hours as needed
• Nausea/vomiting: 90mg daily

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 2 hours
                          

How long will the effects last?

Up to 8 hours

When should I stop using it?

Inner ear disorders: do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor, motion sickness: drug can be safely stopped as soon as no longer needed.
                      

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Elderly patients can rarely develop extrapyramidal symptoms (abnormal movements) with long term use.       

 

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: drowsiness
• Less common: Anticholinergic effects (eg. blurred vision, dry mouth), gut problems
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash

 

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: low blood pressure, parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, porphyria, prostate enlargement
• Other medicines: all drugs with sedative effects (including sleeping drugs, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and opioid analgesics)
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established, discuss with your doctor
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, cinnarizine can cause drowsiness
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects