Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine 

Cinnarizine substantially reduces extreme vertigo experiences in the majority of people suffering from it. This powerful ally fights dizziness and balance problems effectively. This drug acts as both an antihistamine and a calcium channel blocker. It targets the central vestibular system and stops signals travelling between the inner ear and the vomiting centre in the brain. Clinical evidence spanning four decades proves cinnarizine's effectiveness as a first-line treatment for vertigo management. This article explores cinnarizine tablets' nature, uses, proper dosing, side effects, and key precautions. 

What is Cinnarizine?

Cinnarizine is part of the diphenylmethylpiperazine group that works as both an antihistamine and a calcium channel blocker. 

This medication acts as an anti-vertigo drug and improves blood circulation, especially in the brain. The drug blocks L-type and T-type voltage-gated calcium channels, along with its antihistamine properties. It also connects with dopamine D2 receptors, histamine H1 receptors, and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

What are the Cinnarizine Tablet Uses?

The following are some common cinnarizine uses:

• Motion sickness and related nausea
• Vertigo and Ménière's disease (clinical studies show it reduces moderate to extreme vertigo)
• Tinnitus and balance problems
• Peripheral arterial disease

How and When to Use Cinnarizine Tablets

• Adults should take two tablets 2 hours before travel to prevent motion sickness, with one additional tablet every 8 hours as needed. 
• Children between 5-11 years need half the adult dose. 
• Adults who experience dizziness from inner ear problems typically need it two to three times daily. 
• Taking the medication after meals helps prevent stomach upset.

Side Effects of Cinnarizine Tablet

Patients commonly experience:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Serious effects like drug-induced Parkinsonism can occur with long-term use in rare cases.

Precautions

Patients should avoid cinnarizine in the following conditions:

• Parkinson's disease
• Porphyria
• Severe liver disease
• Primary angle closure glaucoma 

How Cinnarizine Tablets Work

Cinnarizine serves as both an antihistamine and a calcium channel blocker in your body. They worked to stop blood vessels from tightening in the inner ear, so blood flow improves. The drug also blocks calcium channels in vestibular sensory cells and reduces signals that trigger vertigo sensations.

Your body needs time to respond to this medicine. The drug takes up to 4 hours to work at its best. That's why doctors suggest taking it before your journey instead of waiting for symptoms to start.

Can I take Cinnarizine with Other Medicines?

You should be careful when taking cinnarizine with:

• Medicines that make you drowsy or cause dry mouth or urination problems
• Antidepressants 
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen

Scientists haven't really tested how herbal supplements mix with cinnarizine. Make sure to tell your doctor about all medicines you take.

Dosing Information

• For adults with vertigo: 25-30 mg three times daily 
• For children (5-12 years): 15 mg three times daily 
• To prevent motion sickness: Take the first cinnarizine 25 mg dose 2 hours before travel

Take the tablets whole with water. Your stomach will handle the medicine better if you take it after meals.

Conclusion

Cinnarizine helps people who struggle with vertigo, motion sickness, and balance issues. The timing of this medication plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. You will get the best results by taking it before symptoms show up, especially when you have travel plans. Adults should take it with meals to prevent stomach issues, though exact doses depend on age and condition.

Cinnarizine's multiple action mechanisms have brought relief to millions worldwide. This 40-year-old medicine stands as a go-to option for managing vertigo. Other medications exist, but they are nowhere near as proven when it comes to safety with proper use.

Your life improves substantially when vertigo stops controlling your daily routine. This medication gives back your freedom to travel, move, and live without constantly worrying about dizziness or nausea. Doctors can guide you on proper usage, drug interactions, and whether cinnarizine fits your needs.

FAQs

1. Is cinnarizine a high-risk medicine?

Cinnarizine remains safe when used correctly. The risks of side effects increase for elderly patients, especially when you are a woman taking it for long periods. Some people who take higher doses (150 mg daily) might develop parkinsonism symptoms and tardive dyskinesia. Standard doses work safely for most people who take them briefly.

2. What is the main use of the cinnarizine tablet?

Cinnarizine helps treat:

• Nausea and vomiting due to Ménière's disease
• Vertigo and dizzy spells
• Motion sickness prevention
• Tinnitus 

3. What is the best time to take cinnarizine in the morning or the evening?

You should take cinnarizine after meals to avoid stomach upset. Motion sickness prevention needs the first dose 2 hours before travel. You can take it morning or evening, though many patients prefer evening doses since drowsiness often occurs as a side effect.

4. How long do Cinnarizine tablets take to work?

The medicine starts working within 1-2 hours. You might need up to 4 hours to feel its full effects after taking the tablet. This explains why taking it before travel helps prevent motion sickness better than waiting for symptoms to start.

5. What happens if I miss a dose?

Take your missed dose right away if you remember, unless your next dose is coming up soon. Never take a double dose to make up for missed tablets. Make sure to keep at least 8 hours between doses.

6. What happens if I overdose?

Cinnarizine overdose can cause:

• Drowsiness, confusion or stupor
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness or shakiness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures (particularly in children)

Get medical help immediately if you suspect an overdose.

7. Who cannot take cinnarizine?

You should not take cinnarizine if you have:

• Parkinson's disease (absolute contraindication)
• Porphyria (blood disorder)
• Severe liver disease
• Primary angle closure glaucoma
• Known allergy to cinnarizine

8. How many days do I have to take the cinnarizine tablet?

Your condition determines how long you need the treatment. Motion sickness needs doses only before and during travel. Inner ear problems might need several months of treatment. Your doctor should monitor long-term use, particularly at higher doses, due to the increased risk of movement disorders.

9. When to stop cinnarizine?

Do not stop taking cinnarizine without talking to your doctor. We used it for inner ear problems, and symptoms could return. In most of the cases, you only need it during travel for motion sickness.

10. Is it safe to take cinnarizine daily?

Doctors do not recommend extended use because it could increase the risk of movement disorders and tremors. Older patients need medical supervision with long-term use to avoid irreversible Parkinsonian side effects.

11. What to avoid when taking cinnarizine?

You should avoid:

• Alcohol – it makes drowsiness worse
• Driving or operating machinery until you understand the medicine's effects

12. What is the warning for cinnarizine?

The biggest problem is its ability to cause Parkinsonism, especially in elderly patients. The medicine can also cause drowsiness, weight gain, and indigestion.

13. Can I take cinnarizine twice a day?

Your condition determines the dosage. People with balance problems usually take it two or three times daily.

14. Can cinnarizine cause dizziness?

Yes, the medicine that treats dizziness might make you feel dizzy at first.