Cinnarizine + Dimenhydrinate

Indications

Cerebral circulatory disorders:

  • Prophylaxis and maintenance therapy for symptoms of cerebral vascular spasms and arteriosclerosis such as: dizziness, ear buzzing (tinnitus), vascular headache, unsociability and irritability, fatigue, sleep rhythm disorders such as premature awakening, involutional depressions, loss of memory and lack of concentration, incontinence and other disorders due to aging.
  • Sequelae of cerebral and cranial trauma.
  • Postapoplectic disorders.
  • Migraine.

Peripheral circulatory disorders: Prophylaxis and maintenance therapy for symptoms of vascular spasms and arteriosclerosis (obliterating arteritis, thromboangitis obliterans, Raynaud's disease, diabetes, acrocyanosis pernio, etc.) such as intermittent claudication, trophic disturbances, pregangrene, trophic and varicose ulcers, paraesthesia, nocturnal cramps, cold extremities.

Disorders of balance:

  • Prophylaxis and maintenance therapy for symptoms of labyrinthine arteriosclerosis; vestibular irritability; Meniere's syndrome such as vertigo, dizziness, giddiness, syncopal attacks, tinnitus, nystagmus, nausea and vomiting.
  • Prophylaxis of motion sickness.

Pharmacology

This contains two active ingredients Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate. The two substances belong to different groups of medicines. Cinnarizine is part of a group called calcium antagonists. Dimenhydrinate belongs to a group called antihistamines. Both substances work by reducing symptoms of vertigo (a feeling of dizziness or spinning) and nausea (feeling sick). The combination product is more effective than the individual compounds.

Dosage And Administration

Adults: 1 tablet three times daily, to be taken after meals. Children and
adolescents under the age of 18 years: Not recommended
Elderly: Dosage as for adults.

Interaction

Concurrent use of alcohol, CNS depressants or tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate the sedative effects of either these drugs or of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid these drugs while taking Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate.

Contraindications

Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate should not be used by patients with severe hepatic impairment. Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate is contra-indicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients. Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate should not be used in patients with angle-closure glaucoma, convulsions, suspicion of raised intracranial pressure, and alcohol abuse or urine retention due to urethroprostatic disorders.

Side Effects

Drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and stomach pain may occur. Rare side effects are impaired vision, allergic reactions, light sensitivity, and difficulty in urinating. Other possible reactions which may occur: weight gain, constipation, tightness of the chest, jaundice, worsening of angle-closure glaucoma, uncontrollable movements, unusual excitement and restlessness, severe skin reactions.

Pregnancy And Lactation

Dimenhydrinate and cinnarizine should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Precautions And Warnings

Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate do not reduce blood pressure significantly; however, it should be used with caution in hypotensive patients. Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate should be taken after meals to minimize any gastric irritation. Caution should be exercised when administering Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate to patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Overdose Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness and ataxia with anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, flushing of the face, dilated pupils, tachycardia, pyrexia, headache and urinary retention. General supportive measures should be used to treat respiratory insufficiency or circulatory failure. Gastric lavage with isotonic sodium chloride solution is recommended.

Therapeutic Class

Anti vertigo drugs

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool (below 30°C) and dry place. Keep away from light and out of reach of children.