Cinnarizine 25 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes

Stugeron contains cinnarizine 25 mg, an antihistamine that calms the balance organ of the inner ear. It is prescribed for vertigo (spinning dizziness), Ménière's disease and to prevent motion sickness on long journeys.

It usually starts easing the spinning within an hour or two of a dose. For an attack of vertigo your doctor may give it for several days until the inner ear settles. If dizziness continues beyond a couple of weeks, go back for a proper ear and nerve check rather than continuing on your own.

Both are used for vertigo. Cinnarizine (Stugeron) works quickly and also stops nausea but causes drowsiness, so it suits short courses. Betahistine (Vertin) is less sedating and is often used for longer-term control of Ménière's disease. Your doctor may use one or both depending on the cause.

Not until you know how it affects you. Cinnarizine commonly causes drowsiness and slower reactions, which is dangerous on a two-wheeler or in traffic. Avoid driving on the day of your first doses and never combine it with alcohol.

Yes, this is one of its main uses. Take it about 2 hours before the bus, car or boat journey begins so it is working before motion starts. For children 5 to 11 a lower dose is used – check with a doctor or pharmacist.

It is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety data is limited. If you have vertigo or motion sickness while pregnant, ask your gynaecologist – there are alternatives considered safer.

With caution. Long-term use in older adults is linked to Parkinson-like symptoms – tremor, stiffness and slow movement – and extra drowsiness raises fall risk. It is best used in short courses, and any new shaking should be reported to the doctor.

Weight gain is a recognised side effect with regular use over weeks or months because cinnarizine can increase appetite. It is not usually a problem with short courses for travel sickness.

Cinnarizine is a Schedule H medicine, so a chemist should ask for a prescription. Vertigo has many causes – some serious – so it is worth a doctor's check before starting rather than buying over the counter.