cinnarizine at a glance
Medicine class
Sedating antihistamine and antivertigo preparation
Licensed use
Control of motion sickness
Drowsiness
May impair driving, cycling or use of machinery
Taking with food
Taking the tablet after food can reduce stomach irritation
What is cinnarizine used for?
Uses associated with cinnarizine include:
Licensed for the selected product: control of motion sickness.
Outside the selected product’s licence: dizziness and sickness associated with vertigo, tinnitus and Ménière’s disease.
How does cinnarizine work?
Cinnarizine blocks histamine effects involved in motion sickness. It also limits calcium entry into smooth-muscle cells and suppresses inner-ear vestibular responses, helping reduce dizziness, nausea and involuntary eye movements.
cinnarizine preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 15 mg
How to take cinnarizine
Follow the packet, leaflet or prescriber’s directions. The tablets are taken by mouth; some may be swallowed, sucked or chewed. Taking them after food can lessen indigestion or stomach irritation.
Avoid alcohol because it can increase sleepiness.
Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if drowsy, dizzy or unable to concentrate.
cinnarizine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Drowsiness
- Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or bloating
- Weight gain
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis, including throat or tongue swelling and breathing difficulty
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or itching suggesting a liver problem
- New tremor, stiffness, slowed movement or twitching and jerking movements
- A red, raised or ring-shaped rash, particularly on sun-exposed skin
cinnarizine in pregnancy
Cinnarizine is not usually recommended during pregnancy because human safety has not been established. A doctor or pharmacist can discuss alternatives.
cinnarizine while breastfeeding
Cinnarizine is not usually used while breastfeeding because information about transfer into breast milk is lacking. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before use; an alternative may be preferred.
cinnarizine interactions
Its sedating effects can be increased by other substances that cause drowsiness.
Alcohol
Can substantially increase sleepiness and should be avoided.
Central nervous system depressants, including opioid painkillers, sleeping tablets and anxiety medicines
Combined use may increase drowsiness and impairment.
Common questions about cinnarizine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is cinnarizine licensed to treat?
The selected product is licensed for controlling motion sickness.
Is cinnarizine licensed for vertigo?
The selected product is not licensed for vertigo, although NHS information describes its use for vertigo and other inner-ear symptoms.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.