Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine is an antihistamine drug. It is usually used to control vomiting as an effect of motion sickness. It is widely distributed worldwide by Janssen Pharmaceutica since 1955 under the trade name Stugeron.

Cinnarizine works by creating interference on the transmission of signals between the vestibular apparatus of your inner ear and the vomiting center of your hypothalamus. Since the signal transmission is disturbed, your brain will be slightly confused whether you are actually moving or not. Thus, it prevents vomiting to happen. Vomiting induced by motion sickness is signaled by the brain to prevent any more motion to occur so it can adapt to the current signal. Aside from its antihistaminic properties, Cinnarizine also has nootropic powers that boost the supply of oxygen in the brain.

Cinnarizine should not be used by children below five years and by older people who have decreased kidney and liver functions. Patients who have Parkinson’s disease are not also advisable to take Cinnarizine. Hereditary blood disorders must also be looked upon because damaging health effects may occur with the use of the drug. Although no evidence of harm in unborn and newborn babies, pregnant and lactating women must stay away from using this drug without the proper supervision of a medical professional. The possibility of developing allergic reactions with the use of Cinnarizine must also be explored by your doctor. If you have found that you are allergic to Cinnarizine or to any of its components, you must ask your doctor for alternative medicines with the same effect, which you could use to treat your condition.

Cinnarizine is available in tablet form which is usually administered three times a day. However, it is safer to ask your doctor regarding the exact dosage you must take based on your condition. Medicines are far more effective when prescribed after an accurate diagnosis. It is highly important to follow the doctor’s prescription. Under dosage and over dosage may cause unsightly effects.

Taking Cinnarizine comes with a couple of side effects. The most common of which is drowsiness. To be safe, stay away from doing activities such as driving or operating a machine while taking Cinnarizine. Other common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and other abdominal disturbances, dry mouth, sweating, weight gain, jaundice, and skin reactions among others. If you experience persistence or worsening of such side effects, consult your doctor immediately. Do not use other substances that cause drowsiness as well because it will worsen your discomfort. Alcohol, sleeping pills, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and painkillers are just some of the things you need to avoid using with Cinnarizine.

Keep a close watch on your body while using Cinnarizine. Any sign of overdose must be given the proper medical attention. Taking greater amounts of Cinnarizine than what is prescribed can be fatal, especially to children so you must really be quick at recognizing the warning signs. Convulsions and hallucinations are just some of the symptoms of Cinnarizine overdose. Have regular check-ups with your doctor to ensure that your progress with the medicine is closely monitored.

Cinnarizine has the following structural formula: