Cinnarizine Tablets Guide: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Cinnarizine, commonly known by the brand name Stugeron, is an antihistamine medication primarily used to treat and prevent symptoms associated with inner ear and balance disorders. It effectively reduces nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and vertigo caused by conditions such as travel sickness, Ménière’s disease, and other vestibular disturbances. Available as 15mg tablets, it can be taken by adults and children over 5 years of age, either on prescription or over-the-counter at pharmacies.

About Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the brain and inner ear, which helps calm the conflicting signals sent to the brain during motion or balance disruptions. Travel sickness occurs when repetitive movements—like bumps in a road or circular turns—cause the inner ear’s balance mechanism to send mismatched signals compared to the eyes, leading to nausea and dizziness. Cinnarizine stabilizes these signals, reducing symptoms such as sickness, vertigo, and imbalance.

Beyond motion sickness, it treats vestibular disorders including acute vertigo episodes, tinnitus, nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), and nausea from inner ear issues. It also aids peripheral circulatory disorders by acting as a calcium antagonist, improving blood flow to extremities without affecting heart rate or blood pressure.

The medication’s mechanism involves inhibiting calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, reducing vasoconstriction caused by norepinephrine and serotonin. This enhances red blood cell deformability and lowers blood viscosity, improving microcirculation in conditions like Raynaud’s syndrome, acrocyanosis, and varicose veins. In the vestibular system, it suppresses stimulation, preventing or alleviating vertigo attacks.

Pharmacokinetics show rapid absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, peaking in plasma 2-4 hours post-dose, with 91% protein binding. It is suitable for maintenance therapy in chronic balance issues.

Before Taking Cinnarizine

Consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting cinnarizine if you have specific health conditions or take other medications. It is not suitable for everyone, and extra caution is needed in certain cases.

Do Not Take If:

• You are allergic to cinnarizine or any tablet ingredients (including sucrose and lactose).
• You have Parkinson’s disease, as it may worsen symptoms.
• You have porphyria, a rare blood disorder.
• You have severe liver or kidney disease.
• You have epilepsy, glaucoma, or prostate problems causing urinary difficulty.
• Children under 5 years old.
• You’ve taken tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs (within 14 days), or other sedatives/tranquilizers.

Take Special Care If:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding—use only if advised by a doctor.
• Experiencing intestinal blockage.
• Have bladder obstruction or elderly with prostate issues.
• Taking medicines for anxiety, sleep, pain, depression, or muscle relaxation.

Inform your healthcare provider of all medications, including over-the-counter, herbal, or complementary therapies, and any history of allergic reactions.

How to Take Cinnarizine

Always follow the dosage instructions from your doctor, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet. Tablets can be swallowed whole, chewed, or sucked with water, preferably after a meal or snack to reduce stomach upset.

Dosage for Travel Sickness Prevention:

• Adults and children over 12: 2 tablets (30mg) 2 hours before travel, then 1 tablet (15mg) every 8 hours during the journey.
• Children 5-12 years: Half adult dose—consult packaging or doctor.

Dosage for Balance Disorders (e.g., Vertigo, Ménière’s):

• Adults and children over 12: 2 tablets (30mg) three times daily.
• Children 5-12 years: 1 tablet three times daily.

For long journeys or ongoing symptoms, maintain doses every 8 hours, not exceeding recommended amounts. Do not use for children under 5.

Getting the Most from Your Treatment

To optimize effectiveness:

• Take with food to minimize drowsiness or stomach irritation.
• Avoid alcohol, as it enhances sedative effects.
• For travel sickness, start dosing 2 hours prior.
• Drive or operate machinery cautiously—drowsiness is common, especially initially.
• Continue full course for balance disorders unless advised otherwise.
• If symptoms persist, consult a doctor; do not increase dose without advice.

Cinnarizine may cause drowsiness, so test your response before activities requiring alertness. Effects build over days for chronic use.

Side Effects

Most people tolerate Stugeron well, but side effects can occur. Common ones usually improve as your body adjusts.

Common Side Effects (affect more than 1 in 100 people):

• Drowsiness or sedation.
• Dry mouth.
• Indigestion or weight gain (with prolonged use).

Serious Side Effects (rare, seek medical help):

• Extrapyramidal symptoms (tremors, muscle stiffness, similar to Parkinson’s).
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty).
• Jaundice or liver issues (yellowing skin/eyes).
• Seizures in children (overdose-related).

Report persistent or worrying effects to your doctor. Long-term use may rarely cause movement disorders.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Safety data is limited. Use only if benefits outweigh risks—consult a doctor. It passes into breast milk in small amounts; avoid or monitor infant for drowsiness.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms include extreme drowsiness, coma, vomiting, muscle weakness, and rarely seizures in children. No specific antidote; seek emergency help immediately. Supportive treatment like activated charcoal may be used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can children take Stugeron?

A: Yes, children over 5 years can take it at reduced doses (e.g., 1 tablet 3 times daily for 5-12 years). Not for under 5s.

Q: Does Stugeron cause drowsiness?

A: Yes, drowsiness is the most common side effect. Avoid driving until you know its effects on you.

Q: How quickly does Stugeron work for travel sickness?

A: Take 2 hours before travel for best prevention. Peak effect in 2-4 hours.

Q: Can I take Stugeron with other medications?

A: Check with a doctor, especially sedatives, antidepressants, or alcohol, as interactions increase drowsiness.

Q: Is Stugeron available over-the-counter?

A: Yes, for travel sickness in adults/children over 5 at pharmacies; prescription may be needed for other uses.

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Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to renewcure,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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