Cinnarizine + Dimenhydrinate
Find more information about this combination medication at the webpages for Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate
Advisory
- This medicine contains a combination of 2 drugs Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate.
- Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate are both used to treat the same disease or symptom but work in different ways in the body.
- Most doctors will advise making sure that each individual medicine is safe and effective before using a combination form.
Drug Status
Government Approvals
None
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
None
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Summary
Cinnarizine is used to manage balance disorders like vertigo and Meniere's disease, which is a condition causing dizziness and hearing loss. It also helps with motion sickness, which is nausea and dizziness from movement. Dimenhydrinate is primarily used to prevent and treat motion sickness symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It is also used for balance disorders like Meniere's disease. Both medications help with symptoms related to balance and motion, but cinnarizine is more for chronic conditions, while dimenhydrinate is for quick relief.
Cinnarizine works by blocking calcium from entering cells, which reduces muscle contractions and helps with balance. Dimenhydrinate is a combination of two drugs that block histamine, which is a chemical in the body that can cause symptoms like nausea. It also affects the inner ear to help prevent dizziness. Both are antihistamines, which are drugs that block the effects of histamine, but they work in different ways to help with symptoms like nausea and dizziness.
For cinnarizine, adults usually take two 15 mg tablets three times a day for balance issues, or two tablets before travel for motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate is typically taken as a 50 mg tablet three times a day, with a maximum of 300 mg per day. Both medications are taken by mouth, which means they are swallowed. Cinnarizine is often taken after meals to avoid stomach upset, while dimenhydrinate can be taken with or without food.
Cinnarizine can cause drowsiness, which means feeling sleepy, nausea, and sometimes weight gain. In rare cases, it may cause movement problems like tremors. Dimenhydrinate often causes drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. It can also cause excitement or hyperactivity, especially in children. Both medications can make you feel sleepy, so it's important to be careful when driving or doing anything that requires alertness.
Cinnarizine should not be used by people allergic to it and should be used carefully in those with Parkinson's disease, which is a disorder affecting movement. Dimenhydrinate should not be given to children under 2 years and should be used with caution in people with glaucoma, which is an eye condition, asthma, or prostate problems. Both can cause drowsiness, so avoid alcohol and be careful with other sedatives. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use.
Indications and Purpose
What is combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate used for?
Cinnarizine is indicated for disorders of balance, such as Meniere's disease, and for the control of motion sickness. It helps manage symptoms like vertigo, tinnitus, and nausea. Dimenhydrinate is primarily used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness, and it is also used for Meniere's disease and other inner ear problems. Both medications are effective in managing symptoms related to balance disorders and motion sickness, but cinnarizine is more focused on chronic conditions, while dimenhydrinate is used for acute symptom relief.
How does combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate work?
Cinnarizine acts by inhibiting the transport of calcium ions across cell membranes, reducing smooth muscle contractions and vestibular reflexes, which helps alleviate symptoms of balance disorders. Dimenhydrinate, a combination of diphenhydramine and 8-chlorotheophylline, works as an H1-antagonist, blocking histamine receptors and depressing labyrinthine function to prevent motion sickness. Both medications are antihistamines that help manage symptoms like nausea and dizziness, but they have different mechanisms of action within the body.
How effective is combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate?
Cinnarizine's effectiveness is supported by clinical trials showing its ability to manage symptoms of balance disorders like vertigo and Meniere's disease, as well as motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate has been proven effective in preventing and treating motion sickness symptoms through its antihistamine properties. Both medications have been evaluated in clinical settings, demonstrating their efficacy in reducing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. While cinnarizine is more suited for chronic conditions, dimenhydrinate provides quick relief for acute symptoms, and both are well-established in their respective uses.
How does one know if combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate is working?
The benefit of cinnarizine is assessed by its ability to reduce symptoms of balance disorders such as vertigo, tinnitus, and nausea, particularly in chronic conditions like Meniere's disease. Dimenhydrinate's effectiveness is measured by its ability to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness. Both medications are evaluated based on symptom relief and improvement in the patient's quality of life. Clinical trials and patient feedback are used to assess their efficacy in managing these conditions.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate?
For cinnarizine, the usual adult dose for vestibular symptoms is two 15 mg tablets three times a day, totaling 90 mg daily. For motion sickness, adults take two tablets two hours before travel and one tablet every eight hours if needed. Dimenhydrinate is typically dosed at 50 mg three times daily for adults, with a maximum of 300 mg per day. Both medications are antihistamines used to treat motion sickness and balance disorders, but they differ in their dosing schedules and maximum daily limits.
How does one take combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate?
Cinnarizine should preferably be taken after meals to minimize gastric irritation, and the tablets can be sucked, chewed, or swallowed whole with water. Dimenhydrinate can be taken with or without food, but the first dose should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before travel to prevent motion sickness. Both medications may cause drowsiness, so alcohol and other CNS depressants should be avoided. There are no specific food restrictions for either medication, but patients should follow any additional dietary advice from their healthcare provider.
For how long is combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate taken?
Cinnarizine is often used for maintenance therapy in chronic conditions like Meniere's disease, where long-term use may be necessary. Dimenhydrinate is typically used for short-term relief of motion sickness symptoms, with effects lasting 3 to 6 hours per dose. Both medications can be used as needed for acute symptoms, but cinnarizine is more suited for ongoing management of balance disorders, while dimenhydrinate is ideal for immediate symptom relief during travel.
How long does it take for combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate to work?
Cinnarizine typically takes 2.5 to 4 hours to reach peak serum concentrations after oral administration, indicating a relatively slow onset of action. Dimenhydrinate, on the other hand, begins to work within about 30 minutes after oral administration, with effects peaking within 1 to 2 hours. Both medications are used to manage symptoms related to motion sickness and balance disorders, but dimenhydrinate acts faster, making it more suitable for immediate relief. Cinnarizine's slower onset may be more appropriate for maintenance therapy in chronic conditions.
How does one store combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate?
Cinnarizine does not require any special storage conditions and should be kept in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and light. Dimenhydrinate should be stored at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, and kept in a tightly closed container. Both medications should be kept out of reach of children. Neither requires refrigeration, but they should be stored in a safe place to maintain their efficacy and prevent accidental ingestion.
Warnings and Precautions
Are there harms and risks from taking combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate?
Common side effects of cinnarizine include somnolence, nausea, and increased weight. It may also cause extrapyramidal symptoms like tremor and Parkinsonism in rare cases. Dimenhydrinate commonly causes drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness, with potential for excitement or hyperactivity, especially in children. Both medications can cause drowsiness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery. While both are generally well-tolerated, patients should be aware of these potential side effects and consult a healthcare provider if they experience severe or persistent symptoms.
Can I take combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate with other prescription drugs?
Cinnarizine may interact with alcohol, CNS depressants, and tricyclic antidepressants, potentially enhancing their sedative effects. Dimenhydrinate can interact with anticholinergic drugs, antidepressants, and CNS depressants, increasing the risk of side effects like dry mouth and drowsiness. Both medications can enhance the sedative effects of other drugs, so caution is advised when used concurrently with other sedatives or depressants. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before combining these medications with other prescriptions to avoid adverse interactions.
Can I take combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate with vitamins or supplements?
There are no specific interactions between cinnarizine or dimenhydrinate and vitamins or supplements mentioned in the provided information. However, as with any medication, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about all supplements and vitamins you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Both medications can interact with other drugs, so maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is essential to ensure safe and effective use.
Can I take combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate if I am pregnant?
The safety of cinnarizine during pregnancy has not been established, and its use is not advisable unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Dimenhydrinate should not be used during pregnancy unless deemed essential by a physician, as there is a potential risk of cleft palate and other defects. Both medications should be used with caution during pregnancy, and pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider to discuss potential risks and alternative treatments. It is important to consider the safety of the fetus when prescribing these medications.
Can I take combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate while breastfeeding?
There is limited data on the excretion of cinnarizine in human breast milk, and its use during breastfeeding is not recommended. Dimenhydrinate is excreted in breast milk and may affect the nursing infant, so it should be used with caution. Both medications have potential sedative effects, which could impact the infant. Breastfeeding mothers should consult their healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks before using these medications, and alternative treatments should be considered if necessary.
Who should avoid taking combination of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate?
Cinnarizine is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to its components and should be used cautiously in patients with Parkinson's disease due to the risk of exacerbating symptoms. Dimenhydrinate is contraindicated in children under 2 years and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, asthma, or prostate enlargement. Both medications can cause drowsiness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery. Patients should avoid alcohol and consult their healthcare provider if they have any pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.