Available in various medicines for oral use (tablets, capsules, drops), cinnarizine is used in the treatment of disorders affecting cerebral circulation and in the treatment of peripheral vasculopathies and disturbances in balance. To be dispensed, these medicines require presentation of repeatable medical prescription (RR); since they are classified as class C drugs, their cost is fully borne by the citizen.
Medicines containing cinnarizine in combination with dimenhydrinate are also available with specific indications for the treatment of adult patients with vertiginous symptoms of various origins.
In this article, however, we will deal with the characteristics of cinnarizine alone and not with the cinnarizine-dimenhydrinate association.
Examples of Medicines containing Cinnarizine
- Agivert® (in combination with dimenhydrinate)
- Arlevertan® (in combination with dimenhydrinate)
- Cinazyn®
- Tecnigen® Cinnarizine Dimenhydrinate (in combination with Dimenhydrinate)
- Stugeron®
- Toliman®
- Verizina® (in combination with dimenhydrinate)
Note: the therapeutic indications may vary according to the medicine considered, therefore according to the pharmaceutical form used and the concentration of active ingredient present. For more detailed information, see the package leaflet of the cinnarizine medicine you are taking.
, as cinnarizine should only be administered to patients with Parkinson's if the therapeutic benefits outweigh the possible risk of aggravation of this disease.
Furthermore, it is worth knowing that:
- Cinnarizine can cause epigastric pain; however, taking the active ingredient after meals may decrease this effect.
- Cinnarizine can cause drowsiness, especially at the start of treatment. Therefore, caution should be used if other drugs that depress brain function are administered. Driving and using machines should also be avoided if drowsiness occurs.
- The intake of cinnarizine can alter the results of diagnostic tests performed on the skin; if taken up to four days before the test, in particular, it can inhibit positive reactions.
- Drugs capable of depressing the central nervous system, such as, for example, anxiolytics;
- Antidepressant drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants.
In any case, before starting treatment with cinnarizine, you should tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might be taking any medicines or products of any kind, including non-prescription drugs (SOP), over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal and phytotherapeutic products, homeopathic products, etc.
Cinnarizine with Alcohol
Alcohol can increase the sedative action of cinnarizine. For this reason, alcohol consumption should be avoided during treatment with the active ingredient.
, manifesting undesirable effects different in type and intensity, or not manifesting them at all.Common side effects
- Drowsiness;
- Nausea;
- Weight gain.
Uncommon side effects
- Lethargy
- Hypersomnia;
- He retched;
- Feeling unwell after meals;
- Stomach pain
- Excessive sweating
- Tiredness.
Rare side effects
- Headache;
- Dry mouth
- Allergic reactions.
Very rare side effects
- Parkinsonism and extrapyramidal disorders, particularly - but not exclusively - in elderly patients;
- Lichenoid keratosis, lichen planus, the appearance of reddened lesions with desquamation that are mainly located at the level of the trunk;
- Jaundice.
Please note
For more information on the side effects of cinnarizine medicines, please refer to the package leaflet of the drug you are taking.
Cinnarizine overdose
If you take too much cinnarizine, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital. There is no specific antidote for the treatment of overdose, gastric lavage or the administration of activated charcoal could be considered. In any case, the doctor will decide how to proceed.
- antagonist which, however, is also able to exert an antihistamine action against the H1 type histamine receptors.
The use of the active principle in the treatment of cerebral circulation disorders and peripheral vasculopathies is justified precisely by its calcium-antagonist action.
In fact, cinnarizine, by blocking the calcium channels, is able to inhibit the contractions of the smooth vascular muscle cells. Furthermore, the active principle in question is able to decrease the contractile activity of vasoactive substances - such as norepinephrine (or noradrenaline, if you prefer) and serotonin - by blocking the calcium channels dependent on receptors.
It should be noted that the blocking of calcium entry into the cell is tissue-selective and allows cinnarizine to prevent vessel constriction without however affecting blood pressure and heart rate.
To all this is added the ability of the active principle to improve insufficient microcirculation by increasing erythrocyte deformability and decreasing blood viscosity.
Cinnarizine is also useful in the treatment of balance alterations as it is capable of inhibiting the stimulation of the vestibular system with suppression of nystagmus and other autonomic disorders. Even acute episodes of vertigo can be reduced or prevented with the use of the active ingredient. .
to their use.If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, therefore, you should inform your doctor.
