Cinnarizine

Uses of Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine is commonly used in the treatment of Meniere's Disease. It is also used to control motion sickness and vertigo.

How Cinnarizine Works

Cinnarizine is an antivertigo agent. It selectively inhibits calcium influx into depolarized cells. Hence, it reduces free calcium ions that are available for the induction and maintenance of smooth muscle contraction.

Side Effects of Cinnarizine

Nausea, Vomiting, Upper abdominal pain, Dyspepsia, Somnolence, Drowsiness, Weight gain, Hyperhidrosis, Fatigue, Lethargy

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

Cinnarizine should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment. Dose adjustment of Cinnarizine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Cinnarizine. Taking Cinnarizine with alcohol may increase the sedative effects of Cinnarizine.

Pregnancy Limited Data

Cinnarizine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. There are no known human studies on the safety of pregnancy. The benefits from the use of Cinnarizine in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

Driving Not advisable

Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Cinnarizine may cause side effects such as sedation which could affect the ability to concentrate and drive.

Liver Limited Data

Cinnarizine should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment. Dose adjustment of Cinnarizine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Lactation Limited Data

Cinnarizine is probably unsafe to use during lactation. It is unknown if Cinnarizine is excreted in human breast milk. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).