cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate at a glance
Medicine class
Combined antivertigo preparation with antihistamine, anticholinergic and calcium-antagonist effects.
Licensed use
Treatment of vertigo symptoms of various origins.
Who it is for
Adults; safety and effectiveness have not been established below age 18.
Administration
Swallow the tablet unchewed with liquid after food.
Driving
It can cause drowsiness; do not drive or use machinery if affected.
What is cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate used for?
The selected UK product has one licensed indication.
Treatment of vertigo symptoms of various origins in adults.
It has not been evaluated for motion sickness, so do not assume it has the same uses as cinnarizine taken alone.
How does cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate work?
Dimenhydrinate releases diphenhydramine, whose antihistamine and anticholinergic actions mainly dampen signals in central balance pathways and the vomiting centre. Cinnarizine reduces calcium entry into vestibular sensory cells and acts mainly on the peripheral balance system.
cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg + 40 mg
How to take cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate
Use exactly as stated on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets unchewed with some liquid after meals, which may reduce stomach irritation.
Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if it makes you drowsy.
Avoid alcohol because it can increase sedation.
cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Drowsiness, tiredness or feeling dazed
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction, particularly swelling or breathing difficulty
- Fever, recurrent infection, unexplained bruising or marked weakness that could indicate a blood-cell disorder
- Yellow skin or eyes, which may indicate jaundice
- New tremor, stiffness or uncontrollable movements
- Severe skin reaction, acute visual symptoms or inability to pass urine
cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate in pregnancy
This combination is not recommended during pregnancy because human safety data are lacking and dimenhydrinate may stimulate uterine contractions. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist about an alternative if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate while breastfeeding
The selected combination should not be used while breastfeeding because both active ingredients pass into breast milk. Consult a prescriber or pharmacist about an alternative.
cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate interactions
Review prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products before treatment, particularly those causing sedation or anticholinergic effects.
Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants
Alcohol, opioid analgesics, barbiturates, tranquillisers and other sedatives can increase drowsiness and impaired alertness; avoid alcohol.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and procarbazine
These may intensify sedative and anticholinergic effects.
Tricyclic antidepressants, atropine and other anticholinergics
Combined use may worsen dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation or difficulty passing urine.
Common questions about cinnarizine + dimenhydrinate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be used for travel sickness?
The selected combination has not been evaluated for motion sickness. Its UK licence is for treating vertigo symptoms in adults.
Can it make me sleepy?
Yes. Drowsiness and tiredness are among its most frequent side effects and may be more noticeable when treatment starts.
Can I drive while taking it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.