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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Cinnarizine

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Cinnarizine


  • Cinnarizine can cause drowsiness and blurred vision, make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see well.

About cinnarizine

Type of medicineAntihistamine
Used forVertigo
Tinnitus
Travel sickness
Also calledStugeron
Available asTablets

The vestibular nerve is situated inside the ear and controls balance. Cinnarizine is useful in treating vertigo (loss of balance or giddiness), tinnitus (buzzing or ringing in the ears), sickness and vomiting caused by Meniere's disease and travel sickness.

Before taking cinnarizine

Before taking cinnarizine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • If you suffer from heart, liver or prostate problems
  • If you suffer from Parkinson's disease
  • If you have problems urinating (passing water)
  • If you suffer from glaucoma
  • If you suffer from epilepsy
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)

How to take cinnarizine

  • Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • If you are taking cinnarizine to relieve travel sickness, the first dose should be taken at least two hours before travelling, then every eight hours throughout the journey if needed.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Cinnarizine can cause drowsiness and blurred vision, make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see well.
  • Try to avoid alcohol while you are being treated with cinnarizine as it will increase drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
  • If you are having any skin allergy tests tell the person who will be carrying out the test that you are taking cinnarizine. You may have to stop taking cinnarizine for a few days before the test as it may stop the test from working properly.
  • Taking cinnarizine after food may help to reduce stomach upset.
  • Do not take any over-the-counter medicines without discussing with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside cinnarizine.

Can cinnarizine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
DrowsinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets
SweatingTry to keep as cool as possible and wear natural fibres
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.

Other less common side effects include skin rashes and weight gain. If you are elderly or have been taking cinnarizine for a long time, you may experience stiffness or problems with movement of the limbs (arms and legs). Speak to your doctor if this happens.

How to store cinnarizine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
3303		DocRef:
dils2244		Last Reviewed:
23 Apr 2007		Version:
23
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