Cinnarizine

What is Cinnarizine?

Cinnarizine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs with both antihistamine and calcium channel blocking properties. It is approved and used in many countries around the world, though it is not currently approved by the FDA and is not marketed in the United States.

Where approved, cinnarizine may be used for:

• Prevention and treatment of motion sickness
• Management of vertigo and other symptoms related to inner ear (vestibular) disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with these conditions
• In some countries, as part of managing certain circulatory symptoms

Depending on the country, cinnarizine may be available over the counter for short-term use, such as motion sickness, or as a prescription medication for ongoing vertigo-related conditions.

Available Formulations and Strengths

Where available, cinnarizine is typically found as an oral tablet, commonly in a strength of:

• Cinnarizine 25mg

Some countries also offer combination products pairing cinnarizine with other medications for vertigo-related symptoms. Available strengths and formulations vary by country and manufacturer. Because cinnarizine is not approved in the United States, patients located there will not find an FDA-recognized product, and any product obtained would fall outside standard U.S. regulatory oversight.

What is the Recommended Dosage of Cinnarizine?

Dosage of cinnarizine, where it is an approved medication, is individualized and depends on several factors, including:

• The condition being treated (motion sickness versus ongoing vertigo management)
• Age
• Liver function, since cinnarizine is processed by the liver
• Individual tolerability, as drowsiness can be dose-related

Dosage Forms Available

• Oral tablets, taken either before travel for motion sickness or on a regular schedule for vertigo-related conditions, depending on the indication

Important Dosing Guidance

• Dosing must always follow the specific instructions provided on the product label (for over-the-counter use) or by a licensed physician or specialist, in a country where cinnarizine is an approved medication.
• Patients should not exceed labeled or prescribed amounts.
• This page does not provide individualized dosing instructions, as appropriate dosing depends on the specific use, local labeling, and clinical evaluation, and is not established for use in the United States.

How Cinnarizine Works

Cinnarizine has two main areas of activity:

• As an antihistamine, it blocks certain histamine receptors, which is thought to help reduce nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness and vertigo.
• As a calcium channel blocker, it may help stabilize the vestibular system, the part of the inner ear and brain involved in balance, and may have some effect on blood vessels.

It is important to understand that cinnarizine manages or reduces symptoms of motion sickness or vertigo but does not cure any underlying inner ear or balance disorder.

Is a Prescription Required to Buy Cinnarizine Online?

This depends on the country and the intended use:

• In some countries, cinnarizine is available over the counter for short-term use, such as motion sickness.
• In other countries, or for ongoing management of vertigo-related conditions, cinnarizine may require a prescription.

Important note for patients in the United States: Cinnarizine is not FDA-approved and is not legally marketed in the United States. Any cinnarizine product offered for sale to U.S. patients online would not be operating within an FDA-recognized regulatory framework, and its safety, purity, and authenticity could not be assured.

• Patients considering ongoing use for vertigo or balance-related symptoms should consult a physician or relevant specialist, such as a neurologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, in a jurisdiction where cinnarizine is available.
• Patients should be cautious of counterfeit, unregulated, or improperly sourced products, particularly when purchasing online across international borders.
• Medication should only be obtained from licensed, accredited pharmacies operating within applicable local regulations.

Side Effects of Cinnarizine

As with any medication, cinnarizine can cause side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person.

Common Side Effects

These are generally mild and may include:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Weight gain
• Gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or stomach discomfort
• Headache

Serious Side Effects

Although less common, some side effects can be more serious and require prompt medical attention:

• Symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease, such as tremor, muscle stiffness, or slowed movement, particularly with longer-term use
• Depression or significant mood changes
• Involuntary movements
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience new tremor or stiffness, significant mood changes, a severe allergic reaction, or any symptoms that feel severe or sudden.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Patients should discuss their full risk profile with a licensed healthcare provider.

Drug Interactions

Cinnarizine can interact with a range of substances, some of which may cause serious effects. Known interaction categories include:

• Other central nervous system depressants, such as sedatives, which may increase drowsiness
• Alcohol, which may increase sedative effects
• Other medications associated with movement-related side effects, such as certain antipsychotic medications, which may increase the risk of movement disorders when combined
• Other antihistamine-containing products, which may increase sedation when combined

Over-the-Counter Medications and Supplements

Many over-the-counter products, including sedating cold or allergy remedies, may interact with cinnarizine by increasing drowsiness. Patients should not assume a product is safe simply because it does not require a prescription.

Patients should provide their healthcare provider or pharmacist with a complete list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements they are currently taking before starting cinnarizine.

Safety & Important Considerations

• Liver Function: Because cinnarizine is metabolized by the liver, patients with liver impairment may require caution or closer monitoring.
• Kidney Function: Patients with kidney concerns should discuss their history with a healthcare provider, as individualized guidance may be needed.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of cinnarizine during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well established. Patients who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before use.
• Older Adults: Older adults may be more sensitive to drowsiness and movement-related side effects, and use in this population generally requires closer attention.
• Depression History: Patients with a history of depression should discuss this with their provider before starting cinnarizine, as it has been associated with mood-related side effects.
• Parkinson’s-like Symptoms: Cinnarizine has been associated with the development of Parkinson’s-like symptoms, particularly with longer-term or higher-dose use, and is generally recommended for short-term or as-needed use unless a specialist has directed otherwise.
• Monitoring: Patients using cinnarizine on an ongoing basis may need periodic monitoring for movement-related side effects, mood changes, and weight changes.
• Regulatory Status: Cinnarizine is not approved by the FDA and is not available through standard channels in the United States.

This page does not include every possible warning. A full safety review should be conducted by a licensed healthcare provider based on the patient’s individual health history.

Who This Medication Is For

Where cinnarizine is available, it is generally used by:

• Adults and, in some countries, children (at adjusted doses) for the prevention or treatment of motion sickness
• Adults diagnosed with vertigo or other vestibular disorders, for symptom management, under the guidance of a physician or specialist

Its use for ongoing vertigo management is generally based on a clinical evaluation, while its use for motion sickness may be self-directed within labeled over-the-counter guidance, depending on the country.

Who Should Not Take Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine may not be appropriate for individuals who:

• Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to cinnarizine, other antihistamines with similar structure, or any of its ingredients
• Have a history of depression or other significant mood disorders, without specialist guidance
• Have a history of Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders
• Have significant liver impairment, without specialist guidance
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, without specialist guidance

This list is not exhaustive. A full medical history review by a licensed healthcare provider is recommended before starting use, particularly for ongoing rather than occasional use.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

Cinnarizine use depends on the reason it is being taken:

• For motion sickness: It is generally taken as needed before travel, so a traditional missed dose does not apply; the next dose should simply be taken before the next planned use, following label or specialist instructions.
• For ongoing vertigo management: If a regular dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, unless it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
• If unsure about what to do, contact a pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance.

Related medications to Cinnarizine

Other medications used for motion sickness or vertigo management, depending on the condition and local approval status, may include:

• Other antihistamine-based motion sickness medications
• Flunarizine, a related calcium channel blocker used in some countries for vertigo and migraine prevention
• Vestibular suppressant medications prescribed for specific vertigo diagnoses

These alternatives work differently and may have different side effect profiles. Switching treatments, or use for ongoing conditions, should be done under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider, based on an individualized evaluation.

Storage Instructions

• Store cinnarizine tablets at room temperature, generally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C), unless otherwise directed on the label.
• Keep the medication in its original container, protected from excess moisture and light.
• Store in a location away from direct sunlight and humidity, such as away from bathrooms.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets, ideally in a locked or secured cabinet.
• Do not use medication that is expired or improperly stored, and dispose of unused medication according to local guidelines or pharmacist instructions.

Disclaimer:

This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cinnarizine is not approved by the FDA and is not marketed in the United States, though it is available over the counter or by prescription in many other countries. Patients should consult a licensed healthcare provider, such as a physician, neurologist, or ENT specialist, in a jurisdiction where this medication is available before starting, changing, or stopping use, particularly for ongoing vertigo-related conditions. Treatment decisions must be based on a full clinical evaluation by a qualified provider who understands the patient’s complete medical history, current medications, and individual health needs.