Cinnarizine — NZ Medication Guide

📋 Reviewed by a Registered Pharmacist NZ — This information is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

What is Cinnarizine?

Cinnarizine is a piperazine antihistamine with calcium channel blocking properties used for vertigo and motion sickness. This medication is funded by Pharmac for vestibular disorders and motion sickness.

What is Cinnarizine Used For?

Cinnarizine is used for vestibular disorders causing vertigo (including Ménière’s disease, labyrinthitis), and motion sickness (travel sickness). It has a mild anti-vertigo effect and is generally well tolerated.

How Does Cinnarizine Work?

Cinnarizine acts as an H1 histamine receptor antagonist and a calcium channel blocker in vestibular sensory cells. By blocking calcium channels in vestibular hair cells and inhibiting histamine-driven pathways, it reduces the abnormal neural firing associated with vertigo and motion sickness.

How to Take Cinnarizine

For vestibular vertigo: 30 mg three times daily. For motion sickness prevention: 30 mg 2 hours before travel, then 15 mg every 8 hours during the journey. May cause drowsiness — avoid driving.

Common Side Effects of Cinnarizine

• Drowsiness (common — do not drive)
• Weight gain (with prolonged use)
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Extrapyramidal effects (rare — with prolonged use, particularly in elderly)

Serious Side Effects — Seek Medical Attention

Contact your doctor or call 111 immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Drug-induced Parkinsonism (rare — with long-term use in elderly patients — stop the medicine if tremor or rigidity develops)
• Tardive dyskinesia (rare — prolonged use)

Drug Interactions

Cinnarizine may interact with other medicines. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications you are taking. Key interactions include:

• CNS depressants (additive sedation)
• Alcohol (enhanced sedation — avoid combining)

New Zealand Prescribing Information

Cinnarizine (15 mg tablets — Stugeron® and generics) is funded by Pharmac. It is recommended by BPAC NZ as a suitable option for short-term management of vertigo due to vestibular disorders. For long-term use in elderly patients, drug-induced Parkinsonism (mimicking Parkinson’s disease) is a documented risk — symptoms typically resolve on stopping the medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cinnarizine cause Parkinson’s-like symptoms?

Yes — cinnarizine can cause drug-induced Parkinsonism (tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement) with prolonged use, particularly in elderly patients. If you develop any Parkinson’s-like symptoms, stop cinnarizine and see your doctor promptly — these effects are usually reversible on stopping.

Is cinnarizine the same as Stugeron®?

Yes — Stugeron® is the brand name for cinnarizine 15 mg tablets in New Zealand. Generic cinnarizine is also available.

References & Further Information

The following New Zealand and international resources were used to inform this page. We encourage you to consult these authoritative sources for the most current information:

• New Zealand Formulary — Cinnarizine
• BPAC NZ — Managing Vertigo in Primary Care
• Pharmac Funded Medicines Schedule

⚠️ Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified health provider. In New Zealand, medication availability and funding may vary — check with Pharmac or your pharmacist for current information.

Reviewed by a Registered Pharmacist NZ