Cinnarizine

NHS information about the medicine cinnarizine, including what it's used for, who can use it, how to use it and side effects.

What cinnarizine is for

Cinnarizine is used for travel sickness, seasickness and Ménière's disease (a condition that affects your balance and hearing).

It can help reduce symptoms like:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• feeling like you or your surroundings are spinning (vertigo)

How to take cinnarizine and how much to use (dose)

Cinnarizine usually comes as tablets that you swallow. Some types can also be sucked or chewed. It's best to take it after eating.

How much you need to take and for how long depends on what you're using it for.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems using it.

If a doctor prescribes cinnarizine for you, follow the advice they give you about how to take it and much to take.

How to take cinnarizine for travel sickness

Cinnarizine for travel sickness comes as 15mg tablets.

Adults and children aged 12 years and over:

• take 2 tablets 2 hours before travelling
• take 1 tablet every 8 hours during the journey if needed

Children aged 5 to 11 years:

• take 1 tablet 2 hours before travelling
• take half a tablet every 8 hours during the journey if needed

If you miss a dose of cinnarizine

If you're taking cinnarizine for travel sickness and you miss a dose, you can take another dose if it's been at least 8 hours since your last dose.

If you're taking cinnarizine for Ménière's disease and you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much cinnarizine

Taking an extra dose of cinnarizine is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much as it can be dangerous.

Side effects of cinnarizine

Like all medicines, cinnarizine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of cinnarizine include:

• feeling very sleepy (drowsy)
• heartburn, bloating and feeling sick (nausea)
• weight gain

If you feel drowsy after taking cinnarizine, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until the drowsiness goes away.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of cinnarizine.

For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card Scheme website

Who can and cannot take cinnarizine

Most adults and children aged 5 years and over can take cinnarizine.

But cinnarizine is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from cinnarizine before
• you have liver or kidney problems
• you have prostate problems or difficulty peeing
• you have glaucoma or have been told you're at risk of glaucoma
• you have epilepsy
• you have Parkinson's disease
• you have porphyria, a rare blood condition

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can use it.

Breastfeeding and cinnarizine

Cinnarizine is not usually used if you're breastfeeding.

Check with a pharmacist or doctor before using cinnarizine while you're breastfeeding. They may be able to recommend a different medicine.

Pregnancy and cinnarizine

Cinnarizine is not usually recommended during pregnancy.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking cinnarizine while you're pregnant. They may be able to recommend a different medicine.

Taking cinnarizine with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with cinnarizine.

This includes some types of:

• strong painkillers, such as tramadol
• medicines for migraines and nerve pain, such as amitriptyline
• sleeping pills, such as zopiclone
• medicines for anxiety, such as diazepam

Before taking cinnarizine, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with cinnarizine

You can eat and drink normally when taking cinnarizine. Taking it with food will reduce the chance of indigestion.

It's best not to drink alcohol when you're taking cinnarizine, as it can make you feel very sleepy.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

• check the leaflet that comes with it
• search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
• speak to a pharmacist for advice