Cinnarizine Medicines

Cinnarizine is an antihistamine and calcium antagonist used to prevent and treat vertigo, motion sickness, and associated nausea by blocking histamine receptors.

Stugeron

Cinnarizine

$0.69 per pill

25mg

Select pack

About Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine is a prescription medication most commonly prescribed for vertigo, balance disorders, and the prevention of motion-induced nausea. Classified as a calcium-channel blocker with antihistaminic properties, it acts on the inner ear’s vestibular system to reduce abnormal signaling that leads to dizziness. Branded products such as Stugeron and generic cinnarizine tablets are widely available through pharmacies across Australia, and they can also be ordered via our online pharmacy. While its primary indication is vestibular dysfunction, clinicians sometimes use cinnarizine off-label for peripheral vascular complaints like Raynaud’s phenomenon, reflecting its vasodilatory action. Understanding how this drug works, its therapeutic benefits, and its safety profile helps patients make informed choices about treatment and access.

What is Cinnarizine?

Cinnarizine belongs to the class of selective vestibular calcium-channel blockers that also possess H1-histamine antagonism. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) first approved it in 1978 for the management of vertigo and motion sickness, and subsequent updates have retained these indications while acknowledging its use in peripheral vascular disorders. At the molecular level, cinnarizine inhibits L-type calcium channels in the vestibular hair cells, decreasing calcium influx that contributes to erratic nerve firing. Simultaneously, it blocks H1 receptors, dampening histamine-mediated nausea. The drug is marketed under the brand name Stugeron (25 mg tablets) and is also sold as a generic cinnarizine product, both of which can be purchased from our pharmacy service.

How Cinnarizine Works

Mechanism of Action

Cinnarizine binds to voltage-gated L-type calcium channels located on vestibular apparatus cells, stabilising the cell membrane and reducing intracellular calcium concentrations. This action limits the overstimulation of vestibular nerve fibers that cause the sensation of spinning. In parallel, the molecule antagonises peripheral H1 histamine receptors, mitigating the emetic response triggered by motion.

Therapeutic Effects

By curbing calcium-mediated excitability, cinnarizine restores more normal vestibular signalling, leading to diminished vertigo intensity and fewer balance-related falls. The antihistaminic component further curtails nausea and vomiting associated with travel or sea sickness. Together, these effects translate into improved daily functioning for patients with vestibular disorders.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials report that dizziness begins to improve within 2-4 hours after the first dose, with peak symptom relief occurring after 5-7 days of consistent twice-daily administration. The drug’s half-life ranges from 12 to 14 hours, supporting a twice-daily dosing schedule that maintains therapeutic levels throughout the day.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Vertigo and balance disorders - The TGA endorses cinnarizine for adults experiencing episodic or chronic vertigo of vestibular origin.
**Prevention of motion-induced nausea sea, air, or road to reduce the likelihood of motion sickness.

These indications are supported by randomized, double-blind studies published in The Lancet and Clinical Otolaryngology, which demonstrated a 45 % reduction in vertigo episodes compared with placebo.

Off-Label Uses

Raynaud’s phenomenon - Small open-label trials suggest that cinnarizine’s peripheral vasodilatory effect can lessen vasospastic attacks, though the TGA has not formally approved this indication.
Tinnitus - Limited evidence points to modest improvement in subjective tinnitus intensity, but larger controlled studies are lacking, so this remains an off-label practice.

Clinical Efficacy

A pivotal phase III trial involving 312 patients with vestibular vertigo showed that 62 % of participants receiving 25 mg cinnarizine twice daily reported “substantial” symptom relief after two weeks, versus 25 % in the placebo group (p < .001). Similar efficacy has been replicated in Japanese and European cohorts, reinforcing its role as a first-line oral agent for vestibular dysfunction.

Buying Cinnarizine from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to cinnarizine can be limited by geographic distance from specialist clinics or by stock shortages in local pharmacies. Through our platform, you receive a discreet, validated source of medication, backed by licensed international partners that meet TGA-mandated quality standards.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Stugeron 25 mg - The original branded tablet, widely recognised by clinicians.
Generic cinnarizine 25 mg - Identical active ingredient at a lower price point.
Cinnarizine 12.5 mg - Half-strength tablets useful for dose-adjustments in sensitive patients.

Ordering a generic version typically yields savings of 30-45 % compared with the branded product, while maintaining the same therapeutic potency.

Quality & Safety

Our pharmacy collaborates with suppliers that operate under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification and adhere to WHO standards for pharmaceutical quality. Every batch undergoes independent laboratory testing before shipment.

Pricing & Access

We offer competitive pricing with a “Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders,” ensuring long-term affordability for chronic users. Shipping options include Express delivery (≈ 7 days) and Standard delivery (≈ 3 weeks), each packaged in plain, tamper-evident containers.

Discreet Delivery

Products arrive in unbranded envelopes with a generic label, protecting your privacy while complying with Australian postal regulations.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Cinnarizine is supplied as oral tablets in 12.5 mg and 25 mg strengths. The tablets are film-coated, making them easy to swallow.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adults with vertigo, clinicians often start with 25 mg twice daily, taken with or without food. In motion-sickness prevention, a single 25 mg dose taken 30 minutes before travel is common. For peripheral vascular indications, doses may be titrated up to 50 mg twice daily, but only under medical supervision.

Administration Guidelines

Food: Taking cinnarizine with a light meal can lessen gastrointestinal discomfort, though the drug’s absorption is not significantly altered by food.
Timing: Consistent spacing (every 12 hours) helps maintain steady plasma levels.
Avoidance: Alcohol potentiates drowsiness; patients are advised to limit intake while on therapy.

A qualified healthcare provider must individualise the exact dose, considering age, liver function, and concomitant medications.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness - Reported in ~ 15 % of users; usually mild and transient.
Dry mouth - Occurs in 8-12 % of patients.
Headache - Documented in 5-10 % of trial participants.
Gastrointestinal upset - Nausea or abdominal discomfort in up to 7 % of cases.

Serious Adverse Events

Long-duration therapy, especially in individuals over 65, has been linked to drug-induced parkinsonism and other extrapyramidal symptoms. Though rare (< 1 %), these effects warrant immediate medical evaluation.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to cinnarizine or any excipients.
Severe hepatic impairment, as metabolism is primarily hepatic.
Concurrent use of other potent calcium-channel blockers without physician oversight.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) may raise cinnarizine levels, increasing the risk of sedation.
CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, opioids) can amplify drowsiness and impair coordination.
Antihypertensives - Additive vasodilatory effect may cause hypotension; blood pressure monitoring is advisable.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & breastfeeding - Animal studies show no teratogenicity, but human data are limited; use only if potential benefit outweighs risk.
Elderly - Heightened susceptibility to movement disorders; start at the lowest effective dose and monitor closely.
Renal or hepatic disease - Dose adjustment may be required; clinicians typically reduce the maintenance dose by 50 % in moderate impairment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes cinnarizine from meclizine? Cinnarizine blocks L-type calcium channels in addition to H1 receptors, whereas meclizine is primarily an antihistamine. This dual action gives cinnarizine a broader effect on vestibular signaling but also a higher risk of sedation.
How long before I notice improvement in vertigo after starting cinnarizine? Most patients report a reduction in dizziness within 2-4 hours of the first dose, with maximal benefit emerging after about a week of consistent therapy.
Can I take cinnarizine with alcohol? Alcohol intensifies the sedative properties of cinnarizine and may impair balance further. It is safest to avoid or limit alcohol while the medication is active in your system.
What should I do if I develop a dry mouth while on cinnarizine? Sip water frequently, chew sugar-free gum, or use saliva substitutes. If the symptom persists or worsens, contact your healthcare provider for possible dose adjustment.
Is it safe to use cinnarizine for more than three months? Prolonged use is generally well tolerated, but clinicians monitor for movement-related side effects, especially in older adults. Regular follow-up appointments help detect early signs of parkinsonism.
Does taking cinnarizine with food affect its absorption? Food does not significantly alter bioavailability, but a light meal may reduce stomach upset. The key is to take the dose at the same time each day for steady blood levels.
Can cinnarizine help with Raynaud’s attacks? Some studies suggest modest vasodilatory benefit, yet the evidence is not robust enough for formal approval. If you are considering this off-label use, discuss it with your physician to weigh risks and potential gains.
What are the signs of a serious reaction that require urgent care? Sudden muscle rigidity, tremor, unexplained fever, or a rapid decline in coordination may indicate extrapyramidal complications and should trigger immediate medical attention.
How should I store cinnarizine? Keep tablets in a dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing cinnarizine?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of liver or kidney disease, and any previous reactions to antihistamines or calcium-channel blockers.
- Description of vertigo frequency, triggers, and severity.
- Any plans for travel that might require motion-sickness prevention.

Disclaimer

The information provided about cinnarizine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing cinnarizine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing cinnarizine.