From the Research
The combination of cinnarizine and dimenhydrinate is a highly effective treatment for vertigo, with the most recent and highest quality study 1 demonstrating a significant reduction in vertigo symptoms in over 75% of patients. The standard dosage of this combination is typically 20 mg of cinnarizine and 40 mg of dimenhydrinate per tablet, taken three times daily. The medication works through complementary mechanisms:
- cinnarizine acts as a calcium channel blocker that reduces vestibular sensory input,
- dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that suppresses vestibular function and reduces nausea. Some key points to consider when prescribing this combination include:
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and mild sedation, so patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
- The combination is particularly effective for vertigo of peripheral origin, such as Ménière's disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
- Treatment duration typically ranges from a few days for acute motion sickness to several weeks for chronic vestibular disorders, though long-term use should be monitored by a healthcare provider due to potential tolerance development.
- The fixed combination of cinnarizine and dimenhydrinate has been shown to have a better safety profile than either medication alone, with a lower incidence of adverse events 2.
- The combination has also been shown to be effective in reducing concomitant vegetative symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, in patients with vertigo 3, 4.