Cinnarizine
CINNARIZINE
Overview
:Cinnarizine is an antihistamine and calcium channel blocker commonly used to manage balance disorders such as vertigo, dizziness, and motion sickness. It works by reducing abnormal stimulation in the inner ear and brain that causes these symptoms.
Classification:Antihistamine (H1 receptor antagonist)
Uses:Cinnarizine is used to treat and prevent conditions related to balance and motion. It is commonly prescribed for vertigo, dizziness, motion sickness, and nausea caused by inner ear problems like Meniere’s disease or labyrinthitis. It helps control the feeling of spinning, vomiting, and unsteadiness. Cinnarizine is also used to improve blood flow in the brain and inner ear, which can reduce symptoms like tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing problems in some circulatory disorders.
How It Works:Cinnarizine works primarily as a selective calcium channel blocker and an H1 histamine receptor antagonist. It inhibits the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle cells, particularly in the inner ear and brain, which helps reduce vestibular stimulation and improves microcirculation. By blocking H1 receptors in the central nervous system, cinnarizine reduces symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and vertigo associated with motion sickness and vestibular disorders. Additionally, it has mild sedative and anti-dopaminergic properties, which contribute to its effect in managing balance disorders, though these effects also account for potential side effects like drowsiness and extrapyramidal symptoms in long-term use.
Dosage:As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects:
Drowsiness or sleepiness
Stomach discomfort
Dry mouth
Stomach discomfort
Nausea
Precautions:
Cinnarizine should be used with caution in elderly patients, as they are more prone to central nervous system side effects such as sedation, confusion, and extrapyramidal symptoms. It is contraindicated or should be avoided in patients with Parkinson’s disease due to its dopamine receptor blocking properties, which may worsen motor symptoms. In patients with hepatic impairment, careful monitoring is advised because cinnarizine is metabolized in the liver. While no major dose adjustment is typically required in renal impairment, caution is recommended in severe cases. The drug has sedative properties and may potentiate the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants; therefore, patients should avoid such combinations. It can impair alertness and coordination, so activities like driving or operating machinery should be avoided until the patient’s response to the medication is known. Prolonged or long-term use should be monitored, as it may lead to weight gain, depression, or extrapyramidal reactions. Cinnarizine should only be used during pregnancy and lactation if clearly indicated and under strict medical supervision, as safety in these conditions has not been well established.
Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosa
Domperidone
DOMPERIDONE
Overview:
Domperidone is a drug used to ease symptoms including nausea, vomiting, bloating and pain that occur due to slow movement of the stomach. It assists in the reduction of the feeling of sickness by increasing the speed at which food is passed through the stomach and the intestines. The drug is commonly used in cases where persons have issues of gastric disorders, acidity reflux and or rapidity of feeling full after eating.
Classification: Dopamine (D₂) receptor antagonist
Uses:
Domperidone is commonly being used in relieving such symptoms as nausea, vomiting, bloated stomach, or abdominal discomfort as a result of slow-digesting or acidic stomach. It assists ease of the food passage in the stomach and the intestinal system to promote a relief of the sensation of fullness, gases, and indigestion. In addition, it may be applied in the treatment of gastroparesis, which is a disorder in which the stomach does not empty as fast as it normally does and there are instances when it is taken to enhance breast breast milk production and under medical guidance.
How it works:
Domperidone works by blocking dopamine D₂ receptors, mainly in the part of the brain that controls nausea and in the gut. Dopamine can slow down the movement of the stomach and intestines and trigger vomiting. By blocking dopamine’s action, domperidone stimulates the muscles of the stomach and intestines, helping food move more quickly through the digestive tract. This action helps reduce nausea, vomiting, bloating, and discomfort after eating.
Dosage:As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects:
Headache
Dry mouth
Drowsiness or fatigue
Irregular periods (in females)
Diarrhea
Precautions:
Before using domperidone, it is important to tell your doctor whether you have any heart problems, specifically whether you had experienced a skipped heartbeat, or whether you take any drug that is likely to impact the heart functionality. Be aware of doing it in case you have liver or kidney problems. Domperidone is not commonly applicable in long-time usage and higher dose, as it can increase the chance of cardiovascular side effects. Only pregnant or breastfeeding women are not allowed to use it without doctor recommendation. Never take more than the recommended dose and do not use it concomitantly with other cardiotropic medication unless advised by a health expert.
Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
