Brand Name of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate Combination in the Philippines
The fixed-dose combination of cinnarizine 20 mg and dimenhydrinate 40 mg is marketed under the brand name "Arlevert" in multiple countries, including the Philippines. 1
Clinical Context of This Combination
This specific formulation has been extensively studied and validated for the treatment of vestibular vertigo:
The combination provides dual-site action: cinnarizine acts peripherally on the vestibular system while dimenhydrinate acts centrally, offering superior efficacy compared to either agent alone. 2, 3
Dosing regimen: The standard dose is one tablet (cinnarizine 20 mg/dimenhydrinate 40 mg) three times daily for 4 weeks. 2, 3, 1
Evidence Supporting This Combination
Superior to monotherapy: In a randomized controlled trial of 182 patients with vertigo, the fixed combination reduced mean vertigo scores significantly more than cinnarizine 20 mg alone or dimenhydrinate 40 mg alone (p = 0.0001 for both comparisons), with a responder rate of 78% versus lower rates for monotherapies. 3
Superior to betahistine: In a multinational trial of 306 patients with peripheral vestibular vertigo, the cinnarizine/dimenhydrinate combination demonstrated not only non-inferiority but statistical superiority over betahistine 16 mg in reducing vertigo symptoms after 4 weeks (p = 0.035). 1
Rapid symptom relief: The combination provides significant improvement within the first week of treatment, which is clinically important for patients with acute vestibular disorders. 4, 1
Safety Profile
Excellent tolerability: In clinical trials, 96.6-100% of patients rated the tolerability as good or very good, with only 3.92% of patients reporting adverse events across multiple studies. 2, 3, 1
No serious adverse events were reported in any of the major clinical trials evaluating this combination. 2, 3, 1