Cinnarizine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug Cinnarizine?

What is cinnarizine for?

Cinnarizine is an antihistamine drug used to prevent motion sickness and treat the symptoms associated with Ménière's disease, including:

• vertigo (feeling of spinning)
• tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• feeling nauseous and wanting to vomit

There is also cinnarizine mixed with dimenhydrinate to treat vertigo.

This drug is sold under various trademarks, one of which is Stugeron.

How do I use cinnarizine?

If your doctor or pharmacist prescribes this drug, you must use cinnarizine according to the recommended medication rules or follow the instructions on the drug label.

If you are not sure how to use this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. If symptoms persist after using this drug, consult a doctor.

Tablets are better to drink with a glass of water. Cinnarizine tablets can cause indigestion or upset stomach. Taking tablets after meals can reduce this condition.

Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, for longer than recommended.

How to store this drug?

Cinnarizine is best stored at room temperature and kept away from direct light and damp areas. Do not store in the bathroom and do not freeze.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush cinnarizine down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Cinnarizine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the cinnarizine dosage for adults?

The following are the recommended dosages for adults:

Ménière's disease

Adults including the elderly and children over 12 years can take two tablets three times a day unless according to doctor's instructions.

Motion sickness

To treat motion sickness, the dose of cinnarizine is two tablets two hours before travel and one tablet every eight hours during travel if needed, unless required by a doctor.

What is the dose of cinnarizine for children?

The following are the dosages recommended for children:

Ménière's disease

Children 5 to 12 years of age can use half the adult dose (one divided tablet three times a day), except as directed by a doctor.

Motion sickness

Children 5 to 12 years of age can take half the adult dose (one tablet two hours before travel then half a tablet every eight hours on the trip three times a day), except as directed by a doctor.

In what dosage form is this medicine available?

The cinnarizine preparation is a 15 mg tablet. Some of the trademarks for this drug are:

• Cinazyn
• Cinnageron
• Folcodal
• Sepan
• Stugeron
• Stugeron Forte
• Toliman

Cinnarizine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Cinnarizine?

Like other medicinal uses, cinnarizine use can cause some side effects. Most of the following side effects are rare and do not require additional treatment.

However, it is important that you consult your doctor if you have any problems after taking this medicine.

Cinnarizine can have side effects such as uncontrolled movement and tremors (extrapyramidal symptoms), or it can make the condition worse if you are elderly and have been using cinnarizine tablets for a long time.

Cinnarizine is a drug that causes common side effects such as:

• Drowsiness or stomach pain These side effects may disappear as treatment continues.
• Headache, dry mouth, weight gain, sweating more than usual.

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist

Cinnarizine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Cinnarizine?

Don't use cinnarizine if you:

• Have an allergy (hypersensitivity) to cinnarizine or any of its ingredients
• Have an inherited metabolic disorder called porphyria (deficiency of specific enzymes in the body, causing an increase in a substance called porphyrins)

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Cinnarizine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with cinnarizine?

Cinnarizine is a drug that can interact with other drugs. Although certain drugs are not recommended to be used together, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even though drug interactions may occur.

In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, or other precautions need to be taken. Tell your health care provider if you are using other prescription or nonprescription drugs.

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with cinnarizine?

The presence of other health problems can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Cinnarizine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118 or 119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Here are the symptoms of an overdose that you need to be aware of:

• nausea
• throws up
• dizzy
• lost balance
• numbness and tingling
• convulsions

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.