Your Guide to Cinnarizine: Effective Treatment for Dizziness and Nausea

Cinnarizine is a medication used to treat dizziness and nausea associated with balance disorders such as Meniere’s disease. It is also used for motion sickness prevention and to improve circulation in peripheral and cerebral blood vessels. This comprehensive guide will cover important information about this medication, including how to use it, contraindications, warnings, drug interactions, and side effects.

1. What is Cinnarizine?

Cinnarizine is an antihistamine used primarily to treat dizziness and nausea related to balance problems like Meniere’s disease, as well as motion sickness. Cinnarizine works by blocking the effects of histamine on blood vessels and the central nervous system, which helps to improve circulation and reduce symptoms of dizziness and nausea.

2. Pharmaceutical Composition of Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine is available in tablet form in two different concentrations:

• Cinnarizine 25 mg: per tablet.
• Cinnarizine 75 mg: per tablet.

These doses are used to treat various conditions related to dizziness and nausea and are prescribed based on the patient’s condition.

3. Mechanism of Action of Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine improves circulation in peripheral and cerebral vessels, which helps alleviate symptoms associated with poor blood flow, such as dizziness and nausea. It also reduces the sensitivity of the nervous system to dizziness and nausea caused by balance disorders.

4. Approved Uses of Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine is approved for use in the following cases:

• Treatment of dizziness and nausea associated with Meniere’s disease.
• Prevention of motion sickness.
• Improvement of circulation in peripheral blood vessels.

5. Recommended Dosages and Usage

• Cinnarizine 25 mg:
  • For adults and children over 12 years: One tablet (25 mg) every 8 hours.
  • For children aged 5 to 12 years: Half a tablet (12.5 mg) three times daily.
• Cinnarizine 75 mg:
  • For adults only: One tablet three times daily.
  • Continuous dose: One tablet 2 or 3 times daily depending on response to treatment.

Note:  Improvement typically begins after several weeks of continuous treatment.

6. Contraindications of Cinnarizine

• Allergy to the active ingredient.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma), heart diseases, eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma), kidney diseases, or digestive disorders (e.g., ulcers).
• Patients with thyroid or prostate disorders or Parkinson’s disease.

7. Warnings and Precautions

• Do not use the medication frequently or for an extended period without consulting a doctor.
• Consult a doctor if you have allergies to any foods or medications, especially antihistamines.
• Not recommended for children under 5 years old.
• Contains lactose, which may cause an allergic reaction in people with lactose intolerance.

8. Drug Interactions with Cinnarizine

When taking Cinnarizine with other medications, interactions may occur that reduce the effectiveness of the drug or cause undesirable side effects. Medications to be cautious of include:

• Alcohol.
• Antidepressants.

9. Possible Side Effects of Cinnarizine

Despite the many benefits of Cinnarizine, some side effects may occur, such as:

• Common symptoms: Drowsiness, constipation, diarrhea, stomach disturbances.
• Rare symptoms: Changes in general health such as dizziness or changes in blood pressure.

Note:  If you notice any side effects not mentioned, consult your doctor immediately.

10. Cinnarizine in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Cinnarizine is generally contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for alternatives if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or discontinuing any medication.