Cinnarizine

Cinnarizine is a well known medication used to help prevent and relieve the symptoms of travel sickness (or motion sickness). Symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.

It is an antihistamine that works by reducing the sensitivity of the inner ear; the part of the body responsible for balance and motion.

By calming the signals that cause motion sickness, cinnarizine helps you travel more comfortably no matter your method of travel; by car, plane, train, or boat.

Available in an easy-to-take 15mg tablet, cinnarizine is an effective choice.

Cinnarizine comes as an easy-to-take 15mg tablet that can be sucked, chewed, or swallowed whole with a drink of water, whichever you find easiest. This flexibility makes it a great choice for those who may already feel nauseous or have difficulty swallowing tablets during travel.

Dosage should be as follows: Take two tablets two hours before travel, then take one tablet every eight hours during travel if needed.

Cinnarizine is suitable for most adults who experience travel sickness symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or vomiting.

However, it may not be suitable for everyone. To ensure safety, it’s important to share your full medical history and details of any other medication you’re taking with your pharmacist or doctor; especially if you have:

• Porphyria (an inherited blood condition)
• Liver disease
• Problems with urinating or emptying the bladder
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Primary angle closure glaucoma
• An allergy test coming up

Because cinnarizine is an antihistamine, it can interfere with allergy testing. You may be advised to avoid this medication for a few days before your test.

The most common side effect of cinnarizine is drowsiness. Some people may also experience upset stomach, nausea, or weight gain. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel sleepy after taking this medication.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Joint pain with a red skin rash
• Slow, jerky, or twitchy movements
• Muscle stiffness, trembling, or shaking (especially after long-term use)

Cinnarizine is not recommended during pregnancy, and you should always speak to a healthcare professional before taking any medication while pregnant.

If your doctor or pharmacist is satisfied that your baby is healthy, cinnarizine may be suitable during breastfeeding, but you should always confirm this with a healthcare professional first.