Cinnarizine

It is mainly used for the symptomatic treatment of nausea and vertigo due to Meniere's disease and other labyrinthine disturbances and for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness. It is also used in the management of various vascular disorders. Cerebral circulatory disorders: ... Read more It is mainly used for the symptomatic treatment of nausea and vertigo due to Meniere's disease and other labyrinthine disturbances and for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness. It is also used in the management of various vascular disorders. Cerebral circulatory disorders:

Prophylaxis and maintenance therapy for symptoms of cerebral vascular spasms and arteriosclerosis such as dizziness, ear buzzing (tinnitus), vascular headache, unsociability and irritability, fatigue, sleep rhythm disorders such as premature awakening, involutional depressions, loss of memory and lack of concentration, incontinence and other disorders due to aging.

Sequel of cerebral and cranial trauma.

Post-apoplectic disorders.

Migraine.

Peripheral circulatory disorders : Prophylaxis and maintenance therapy for symptoms of vascular spasms and arteriosclerosis (obliterating arteritis, thromboangitis obliterans, Raynaud's disease, diabetes, acrocyanosis, perrio, etc.) such as: intermittent claudication, trophic disturbances, pregangrene, trophic and varicose ulcers, paraesthesia, nocturnal cramps, cold extremities. Disorders of balance:

Prophylaxis and maintenance therapy for symptoms of labyrinthine arteriosclerosis, vestibular irritability, Meniere's syndrome, such as vertigo, dizziness, giddiness, syncopal attacks, tinnitus, nystagmus, nausea and vomiting.

Prophylaxis of motion sickness.

Cinnarizine acts as an antihistamine, labyrinthine sedative and a peripheral antivasoconstrictor. Cinnarizine is a selective calcium antagonist, inhibiting the influx of Ca 2+ intracellularly. It prevents the Ca 2+ dependent contraction of arterial smooth muscle by inhibiting Ca 2+ influx through smooth muscle calcium channels and thereby, improves vestibular symptoms and prevents peripheral arterial disease

Usual adult dose : 15 to 30 mg three times daily. Children (5 to 12 years) : Half of the adult dose. Motion sickness : A dose of 30 mg two hours before the start of the journey and 15 mg every 8 hours during the journey. Peripheral arterial diseases : 75 mg two or three times daily.

No drug interactions have been seen with Cinarin when administered concomitantly with antihypertensives, diuretics, anticoagulants or hypoglycaemics.

There are no specific contraindications. It has been found to decrease blood pressure significantly. However, the drug should be used with reasonable caution in hypotensive patients.

Side effects such as somnolence and gastrointestinal disturbances are extremely rare. They are transient and may be readily prevented by achieving the optimal dosage gradually. Allergic skin reactions and fatigue have been reported on rare occasions. An aggravation or appearance of extrapyramidal symptoms has been reported extremely rarely in elderly people during prolonged therapy. The treatment should be reduced or stopped in such cases.

The safety of Cinnarizine in human pregnancy has not been established although studies in animals have not demonstrated teratogenic effects. Therefore, it is not advisable to administer Cinnarizine in pregnancy

Cinarin may cause drowsiness; patients affected in this way should not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.