From the Research
Cinnarizine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug or its components, as well as in those with Parkinson's disease or parkinsonism, due to its dopamine receptor blocking properties, as evidenced by a study published in 2017 1. The medication should not be used in patients with severe liver disease, porphyria, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless clearly necessary. Some key points to consider when prescribing cinnarizine include:
- Caution is required in patients with hypotension, as cinnarizine has vasodilatory effects that can further lower blood pressure.
- The medication should be avoided in patients with a history of extrapyramidal disorders since cinnarizine, being an antihistamine with calcium channel blocking activity, can potentially induce or exacerbate movement disorders, as seen in a study from 1998 2.
- Patients with glaucoma, urinary retention, or prostatic hypertrophy should use cinnarizine cautiously due to its anticholinergic effects.
- Additionally, cinnarizine may cause drowsiness, so patients should be advised against operating machinery or driving until they know how the medication affects them.
- Elderly patients should use cinnarizine with particular caution as they are more susceptible to adverse effects, especially sedation and extrapyramidal symptoms. It is essential to weigh the benefits of cinnarizine against its potential risks, particularly the risk of parkinsonism, as demonstrated by a population-based study in 2017 1.