Cinnarizine
About Cinnarizine
Cinnarizine contains an 'antihistamine' medication, primarily used to treat nausea and vomiting due to Travel sickness (motion sickness). It is also used to treat the body's balancing problem that can be caused by Meniere disease, ringing in the ears, vertigo (a spinning sensation or dizziness), and hearing loss. Motion sickness is caused when nerves within your ear transmit faulty information about your brain's movement with signals.
Cinnarizine contains Cinnarizine, which helps in treating nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness. It is known as a drowsy anti-histamine, which works by not allowing the constriction of the inner ear's blood vessels. As a result, this improves the circulation of the ear.
Take Cinnarizine as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Cinnarizine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. Preferably take it after a meal to avoid an upset stomach. In some cases, you may experience sleepiness, sweating, dry mouth, headache, weight gain, skin problems, and lethargy. Most of these side effects of Cinnarizine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Cinnarizines should not be taken if you have a peptic ulcer, asthma, or low blood pressure. In patients with Parkinsonian disease, do not take Cinnarizine as it can worsen your condition. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is recommended not to take Cinnarizine. If your skin becomes yellow and urine also becomes pale yellow, consult your doctor immediately. Alcohol should not be consumed along with Cinnarizine as it may cause excessive drowsiness.
Uses of Cinnarizine
Medicinal Benefits
Cinnarizine contains an 'antihistamine' medication, Cinnarizine, primarily used to treat nausea and vomiting due to Travel sickness (motion sickness). It is also used to treat the body's balancing problem that can cause Vertigo, Meniere disease, ringing in the ears, vertigo (a spinning sensation or dizziness), and hearing loss. Motion sickness is caused when nerves within your ear transmit faulty information about your brain's movement with signals. It is known as a drowsy anti-histamine, which works by not allowing the constriction of the inner ear's blood vessels. As a result, this improves the circulation of the ear.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cinnarizine
Sleepiness
Sweating
Dry mouth
Headache
Weight gain
Skin problems
Lethargy
Drug Warnings
Do not take Cinnarizine if you are allergic to Cinnarizine or any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor about all other medications, and herbal products you are taking or have been taking. If you have epilepsy or any other mental disorder, problem emptying the urinary bladder, porphyria (a blood disorder), glaucoma (increase eye pressure), or Parkinson's disease, inform your doctor before starting Cinnarizine. Alcohol should not be consumed along with Cinnarizine as it may cause excessive drowsiness. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is recommended not to take Cinnarizine. If your skin becomes yellow and urine also becomes pale yellow, consult your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Cinnarizine is known to interact with antidepressants (amitriptyline, dosulepin, imipramine), and painkillers (ibuprofen, naproxen).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid the intake of alcohol with Cinnarizine as it may cause increased drowsiness, dizziness, and lack of concentration.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Cinnarizine may interact if you have or ever had epilepsy or any other mental disorder, problem emptying the urinary bladder, glaucoma (increased eye pressure), Parkinson's disease, kidney problem, or porphyria (a blood disorder).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeCinnarizine should not be taken along with alcohol as it may increase sleepiness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionCinnarizine is a pregnancy category C drug. It is not known whether it will harm the baby or not. But, it is recommended not to take it during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCinnarizine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.
Driving
cautionCinnarizine is known to cause sleepiness, so you should not operate any machinery or car which requires mental alertness.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before using Cinnarizine.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before using Cinnarizine.
Children
cautionCinnarizine is not recommended for children below the age of 5 years. For children aged 5 and above, the dose will be decided by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Try not to eat food immediately before traveling, as it will reduce your chances of vomiting while traveling.
Please do not drink alcohol as it could lead to excessive drowsiness.
Allow sufficient air to reach you while traveling as it will help reduce nausea, vomiting and reduce the ringing sensation of the ear.
Special Advise
- Do not take Cinnarizine if you are about to undergo a skin test for an allergic reaction.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Motion sickness: It is caused when nerves within your ear transmit faulty information about your brain's movement with signals. These nerves, along with signals from your eyes and muscles, enable your body to maintain a good sense of balance. It clashes with the signals received from your other ear, your eyes, or your body, whether the nerves in one of your ears transmit too many, too few or incorrect messages to your brain. Your brain is then confused, which can cause dizziness and a feeling of spinning (vertigo) and make you feel sick. Travel sickness is triggered while flying by frequent irregular movements. These repetitive motions, like going over bumps or around in a circle, give your brain loads of messages. The equilibrium system in your ear sends distinct signals to those in your eyes, which results in mixed and contradictory messages being received by your brain. This is what makes you feel ill.
Meniere's Disease: It is a disorder of the inner ear that makes you feel dizzy and unwell. It can cause a spinning sensation, vertigo, and sometimes a hearing problem.
FAQs
Cinnarizine is used to treat nausea and vomiting due to Travel sickness (motion sickness). It is also used to treat the body's balancing problem that can be caused by Meniere disease, ringing in the ears, vertigo (a spinning sensation or dizziness), and hearing loss.
Cinnarizine contains Cinnarizine, a drowsy anti-histamine, which works by not allowing the constriction of the inner ear's blood vessels. As a result, this improves the circulation of the ear.
Yes, Cinnarizine can cause an upset stomach. It is best to take Cinnarizine after a meal to avoid upsetting the stomach and also take it 1-2 hours before you are supposed to travel.
Taking Cinnarizine if you have Parkinson's disease can aggravate the disease condition and worsen your condition. Although, when you stop taking Cinnarizine, your condition might become normal. So, therefore it should be used with caution in patients with Parkinson's disease.
No, using Cinnarizine for a long duration can increase the side effects of Cinnarizine. It is mostly used for the long term in elderly patients with vertigo. So, Cinnarizine should always be taken in dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.
Yes, Cinnarizine can cause sleepiness as a common side effect, especially when you start taking it. It is advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you. However, if you have any concerns consult your doctor.
Yes, Cinnarizine can help with tinnitus. Tinnitus is a condition where you hear a ringing or buzzing sound that isn't caused by an external source. Cinnarizine helps by improving blood flow to the inner ear, which can reduce the pressure of excess fluid and reduce symptoms like tinnitus. However if you experience it for long time, please consult your doctor.
Take Cinnarizine before travelling as prescribed by your doctor.
Patients with Parkinson's disease may experience decreased motor function when taking Cinnarizine. Cinnarizine should be avoided in these patients. Although, this effect is reversible but may last for several days. Also, it can cause parkinsonian syndrome in older persons. Thus, it should be used with caution if advised by a doctor.
An overdose is likely to cause vomiting, drowsiness, coma, (unconsciousness) tremor (shaking) or hypotonia (floppy, relaxed state of muscles). If you suspect an overdose, consult your doctor immediately.
Cinnarizine is generally not recommended for long-term use due to the increased the risk of uncontrollable movements and tremors. It is best to use it as prescribed by your doctor.
Take the Cinnarizine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is best to take it after meals to minimize stomach upset. Swallow it with water. Do not break, crush or chew it.
It may cause weight gain as a side effect. To prevent this, you can eat a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking with high-calorie food, and exercise regularly. However, consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
The common side effects of Cinnarizine are sleepiness, sweating, dry mouth, headache, weight gain, skin problems and lethargy. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
