Stugeron is a drug commonly prescribed for vertigo, motion sickness and migraines. The active ingredient present in sturgeon is cinnarizine. It is available in strengths of 25mg, 75mg and 20mg when combined with dimenhydrinate. Other brands of cinnarizine which are available include cinn, cinzan, cintigo, diziron, stedicin, stugil etc.

Cinnarizine has two modes of action. It acts as an antihistamine drug. It binds to histamine H1 receptors, blocking them and not allowing histamine of the body to activate the receptors. Thus the action of histamine is blocked. The second mode of action of cinnarizine is as a calcium channel blocker. It selectively blocks the influx of calcium ions through the cell membranes. This causes reduced sensitivity of vestibular receptors and causes a reduction in motion induced dizziness symptoms. Calcium channel blockers also have a role in the prevention of a migraine.

Cinnarizine should be avoided in children, pregnancy and during lactation. It may cause cognitive issues in elderly patients. Cinnarizine can aggravate symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Cinnarizine is contraindicated in liver or kidney disorders and porphyria.

Drowsiness is the most common adverse reaction seen due to cinnarizine followed by nausea, vomiting or other abdominal symptoms. Taking the drug for extended periods may lead to fatigue, weight gain, depression, tremors and secondary Parkinson’s.

Cinnarizine users should avoid alcohol. It should also not be given with drugs like Betahistine as both drugs have antagonist modes of action. Giving them together will decrease the efficiency of both drugs.

Cinnarizine should not be given along with other drugs which cause sedation. Cinnarizine is an effective drug for control of acute episodes of vertigo and dizziness. It is also used in motion sickness. The tablet should be given at least 40 minutes before the travel commences so that drug action starts and controls the motion sickness. In cases of acute vertigo, the drug should not be given for more than 5 days as it may interfere with compensatory processes of the central nervous system slowing down the recovery of the patient.

At Neuroequilibrium, the cause of vertigo or imbalance is identified by neuro-otological tests. The area which is implicated as the cause of vertigo is then treated with medicines, rehabilitation or surgery as is appropriate in each particular case.

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