Generic medicine

Cinnarizine: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Cinnarizine is an antihistamine with additional calcium channel-blocking activity that is used mainly for disorders of balance and for prevention of travel sickness.

Forms:Tablet

About Cinnarizine

Indications of Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine is an antihistamine with additional calcium channel-blocking activity that is used mainly for disorders of balance and for prevention of travel sickness. Its uses can be classified by strength of evidence as follows:

Established / guideline-supported uses

  • Vertigo of various origins, including Meniere's disease, labyrinthitis, and other peripheral vestibular disorders — symptomatic relief of associated nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
  • Prevention and treatment of motion sickness (travel sickness) in adults and children above the recommended age.

Adjunct / variable-evidence uses

  • Adjunct symptomatic treatment in peripheral vascular disorders (e.g., intermittent claudication, Raynaud's phenomenon) in some regional labeling; evidence quality for this indication is limited and it is not considered first-line therapy.

Cinnarizine treats symptoms only; it does not treat the underlying cause of vertigo or vascular disease, so the underlying condition should still be diagnosed and managed by a physician.

Dosage & Administration of Cinnarizine

Dosage of Cinnarizine should be individualised by the prescribing physician according to indication, age, and response. Typical dosing ranges used in regional labeling are summarised below; always follow the specific product label and physician's instructions.

IndicationAdult dosePaediatric dose
Vertigo, Meniere's disease, labyrinthitisUsually 25 mg three times daily, titrated to response; some patients are maintained on a lower dose once symptoms are controlledNot generally recommended for this indication in young children; use only under specialist supervision
Motion sickness (prevention)25–30 mg taken about 2 hours before travel, then 12.5–15 mg every 8 hours during the journey if neededChildren 5–12 years: approximately half the adult dose on the same schedule; children under 5 years: safety and efficacy not established, not generally recommended
Adjunct in peripheral vascular disordersTypically 75 mg once daily (as a higher-strength "forte" formulation) or 25 mg three times daily, as directed by physicianNot applicable

Administration: Tablets should be swallowed with water, preferably after food, to reduce the chance of stomach upset. Do not exceed the dose or duration recommended by the physician. See Use in Special Populations for elderly, hepatic, and renal dosing considerations.

Side Effects of Cinnarizine

Side effects of Cinnarizine are generally mild and dose-related.

FrequencyEffects
CommonDrowsiness/sedation, weight gain, gastrointestinal upset (nausea, dyspepsia, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort), headache, sweating (hyperhidrosis), fatigue
Less common / with prolonged useExtrapyramidal symptoms and drug-induced parkinsonism (tremor, rigidity, abnormal movements) — a notable, dose- and duration-related risk that is more frequent with long-term use, particularly in the elderly, and is usually reversible after stopping Cinnarizine
RareHypersensitivity reactions (rash, itching), lichenoid skin eruptions, and rarely liver enzyme abnormalities

Patients or caregivers should seek medical advice promptly if tremor, muscle stiffness, or abnormal movements develop during Cinnarizine treatment.

Contraindications of Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine is contraindicated in:

  • Patients with known hypersensitivity to Cinnarizine, other piperazine derivatives, or any excipient of the specific formulation.
  • Patients with Parkinson's disease, because of Cinnarizine's antidopaminergic activity, which can significantly worsen extrapyramidal symptoms.

Cinnarizine should also not be used in patients with rare hereditary conditions affecting sugar/excipient tolerance where these are present in the specific tablet formulation (check individual product labeling).

Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnarizine

What is Cinnarizine used for?

Cinnarizine is mainly used to relieve vertigo (dizziness/spinning sensation) caused by inner ear problems such as Meniere's disease or labyrinthitis, and to prevent or treat motion sickness during travel. In some countries it is also used as an adjunct treatment for peripheral vascular disorders.

How should I take Cinnarizine?

Take Cinnarizine tablets by mouth with water, preferably after food. For motion sickness, take the first dose about 2 hours before travelling and repeat as directed during the journey. For vertigo, follow the dosing schedule given by your physician, usually two to three times a day.

Can I take Cinnarizine if I have Parkinson's disease?

No. Cinnarizine is contraindicated in people with Parkinson's disease because it can worsen tremor, rigidity, and other movement symptoms due to its effect on dopamine signalling in the brain.

Is Cinnarizine safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Safety of Cinnarizine in pregnancy has not been firmly established, and it should be used only if a physician decides the benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk to the baby. It is also not generally recommended while breastfeeding unless your physician advises otherwise. Always consult your doctor before use.

What are the main side effects of Cinnarizine?

The most common side effects of Cinnarizine are drowsiness, weight gain, and mild stomach upset. With long-term use, especially in elderly patients, Cinnarizine can rarely cause tremor, muscle stiffness, or other movement problems (extrapyramidal symptoms/parkinsonism); tell your doctor promptly if these occur.

Can I drive after taking Cinnarizine?

You should be cautious. Cinnarizine commonly causes drowsiness, which can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Avoid these activities until you know how Cinnarizine affects you.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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