What is the recommended dose of cinnarizine (Cinnarizine) for an 8-year-old child weighing 25 kilograms (kg) for motion sickness?

Cinnarizine Dosage for Motion Sickness in an 8-Year-Old Child

The recommended dose of cinnarizine for an 8-year-old child weighing 25 kg for motion sickness is 12.5 mg (half of a 25 mg tablet), given up to three times daily as needed. This dosage balances efficacy against motion sickness with safety considerations in pediatric patients.

Dosing Recommendations

• For children weighing 25 kg (like an average 8-year-old), the appropriate dose is 12.5 mg per administration 1
• Maximum daily dose should not exceed 37.5 mg (12.5 mg three times daily) 2
• First dose should be given 1-2 hours before travel to allow sufficient time for the medication to take effect 3
• Subsequent doses can be given every 6-8 hours as needed for continued protection 1

Pharmacological Considerations

• Cinnarizine is a first-generation antihistamine with antihistaminic, antiserotoninergic, and calcium channel-blocking properties 2
• It is effective for prevention of motion sickness symptoms under natural conditions compared to placebo (40% vs 25% prevention rate) 1
• The elimination half-life in children has been reported as approximately 3.65 hours, which supports the multiple daily dosing schedule 2

Safety Considerations

• Monitor for common side effects, which may include:

  • Drowsiness/sedation (more likely than with placebo) 1
  • Potential for jitteriness or altered gait at higher doses 2
  • Potential for central nervous system effects 5-7 hours post-administration 4

• Avoid doses exceeding the recommended amount, as overdose can lead to:

  • Increased sedation
  • Neurological symptoms including stupor
  • In rare cases with significant overdose, seizures have been reported 2

Administration Tips

• Cinnarizine can be administered with or without food, but giving with food may reduce gastrointestinal side effects 3
• For children who cannot swallow tablets, the tablet may be crushed and mixed with a small amount of food or liquid 1
• If motion sickness symptoms are severe, the first dose should ideally be given 2 hours before travel 4

Monitoring

• Observe for excessive drowsiness, which may indicate the need for dose reduction 5
• If drowsiness interferes with activities, consider reducing to 6.25 mg (quarter tablet) per dose 1
• If the child experiences any unusual neurological symptoms such as tremor or abnormal movements, discontinue the medication and seek medical attention 2

Important Caveats

• Cinnarizine may cause increased drowsiness when combined with other sedating medications 5
• Effects on performance and alertness may persist for 5-7 hours after administration 4
• The medication should be used for short-term management of motion sickness rather than continuous long-term use 1