Cinfamar

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Cinfamar

Method of action: Antiemetic

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Cinfamar

Cinfamar: Identity, Composition, and Purpose Overview

Property Description
Active ingredient Dimenhydrinate (INN)
Form Tablets, Chewable Tablets, Oral Solution, Injectable
Pharmacological Class First-generation H₁-antihistamine, Antiemetic
Common Use Prevention and treatment of motion sickness
Origin Synthetic Small Molecule

Cinfamar: Definition and Pharmacological Classification

Cinfamar is a pharmaceutical preparation whose core active ingredient is Dimenhydrinate, an agent classified by health authorities as a First-generation H₁-antihistamine and a functional Antiemetic. This synthetic small molecule compound is designed to be centrally acting, meaning its effects occur predominantly within the central nervous system to influence specific neural pathways related to balance. Its identity as an H₁-antihistamine places it in the class of drugs commonly used to reduce symptoms caused by the overstimulation of the inner ear.

What is the Composition of Dimenhydrinate?

The active ingredient Dimenhydrinate is chemically defined as a theoclate salt, representing a unique combination of two distinct substances. Specifically, the compound is formed from the H₁-antagonist Diphenhydramine and the central nervous system stimulant 8-chlorotheophylline. This dual-component composition is recognized for allowing Dimenhydrinate to maintain its antiemetic action while potentially mitigating the deep sedation commonly associated with its primary component.

General Purpose and Available Forms

The primary general purpose of Cinfamar is the prevention and relief of symptoms associated with motion sickness, which include episodes of nausea, vomiting, and feelings of dizziness or vertigo. The use of Cinfamar for these symptoms is established in clinical practice, relating to its antiemetic function through the suppression of signals from the inner ear's vestibular system. Cinfamar is commercially available in several high-level dosage forms, including easily digestible chewable tablets, conventional tablets, and an oral solution, facilitating the oral route of administration. The availability of preparations like Cinfamar Infantil signifies its specific positioning for managing travel-related discomfort in younger patient groups, ensuring the core benefit of managing kinesia is accessible across various ages.

What side effects are possible with Cinfamar?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Dimenhydrinate, the active ingredient in Cinfamar, is officially classified based on the frequency and the physiological system affected, as documented by government regulatory authorities.

Officially Documented Adverse Reactions

The most frequent adverse events are generally related to the drug's activity as a first-generation H₁-antihistamine. These effects are categorized in official labeling:

  • Very Common (Affecting ge 1/10): Sedation and Drowsiness are the most frequently documented adverse effects, and are expected safety characteristics.
  • Common (Affecting ge 1/100 to <1/10): This category includes headache, dizziness, fatigue, and anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth and constipation.
  • System-Organ Classes Involved: Adverse reactions are documented across several systems, including the Nervous System (drowsiness, confusion), Gastrointestinal System (dry mouth, constipation), and Cardiac System (palpitations, tachycardia).

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Official regulatory documents list specific, though rare, adverse reactions deemed clinically significant. These include the possibility of Convulsions or Seizures and rare blood disorders such as Agranulocytosis or Hemolytic Anemia. Furthermore, certain serious conditions limit the medicine's use. Safety-related restrictions require caution in patients with existing conditions sensitive to anticholinergic effects, notably narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, and urinary retention.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

The safety profile is noted to vary across certain patient groups. Older adults are officially documented as more susceptible to CNS effects, including increased risk of dizziness, confusion, and enhanced anticholinergic effects. Conversely, the official labeling for pediatric patients notes a higher propensity for paradoxical excitation (such as restlessness or insomnia) rather than the common sedative effect.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to Seek Help

Official regulatory information describes Cinfamar (Dimenhydrinate) overdose as potentially serious, primarily due to effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular system. In cases of overdose, individuals must seek emergency medical attention immediately, or contact a Poison Control Center right away.


Documented Overdose Manifestations and Actions

Overdose Scope Official Regulatory Descriptions
Documented Manifestations Symptoms may include profound CNS depression leading to somnolence or coma, as well as anticholinergic syndrome signs such as dilated pupils, dry mouth, blurred vision, and inability to urinate. Other neurological effects can involve agitation, tremor, hallucinations, delirium, or convulsions (seizures).
Severe Outcomes Life-threatening events associated with massive overdosage include respiratory depression, severe cardiac rhythm disturbances, and cardiovascular collapse.
Population Note In infants and children, overdose may specifically cause excitation and carries a risk of convulsions and more severe CNS effects.
Emergency Actions Treatment is officially classified as symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known. Management may include supportive ventilation if respiratory depression occurs, and continuous cardiac monitoring.

If overdose is suspected, contacting emergency services is the first required action due to the risk of rapid symptom escalation, especially concerning cardiac and respiratory function. Regulators emphasize that immediate medical support is essential to manage potentially severe outcomes, such as seizures and coma, as there is no specific agent to reverse the effects.

Therapeutic Uses of Cinfamar

What Cinfamar Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Symptomatic Management for Nausea, Vomiting, and Dizziness

Cinfamar may be part of symptomatic management used for symptoms related to physical discomfort, specifically addressing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. The medication is commonly used to help with acute or disruptive episodes of motion sickness, particularly when symptoms appear suddenly or fluctuate due to movement.


Supporting Comfort and Stability During Travel Episodes

This medication is considered relevant when short-term symptomatic assistance is needed during travel episodes (conditions involving episodic or fluctuating manifestations). It is often used when symptoms intensify and supportive relief is needed. For the patient, this provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities.

“This therapeutic domain plays a role in managing symptoms that interfere with daily comfort and is associated with improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms.”

This focus on short-term relief during travel-induced episodes supports patients during difficult episodes by easing distress. The support assists with maintaining functional stability and helps with symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.


Quick Fact: Relief for Nausea and Dizziness

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Regulatory Eligibility for Cinfamar

Regulatory documents define who can and cannot use Cinfamar (Dimenhydrinate) based on age, pre-existing conditions, and physiological status.

Absolute Contraindications

Use of Cinfamar is prohibited for patients with a known hypersensitivity to dimenhydrinate or its components (diphenhydramine or 8-chlorotheophylline). It must not be used concurrently with, or within 14 days following, therapy with a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). The injectable formulation is contraindicated in neonates and premature infants.

Age-Related Eligibility

Age Group Regulatory Status
Children under 2 years Not recommended; safety and efficacy are not established for general use.
Children 2 to 11 years Allowed for motion sickness under established pediatric dosing.
Adults and Adolescents (ge 12 years) Allowed under standard adult dosing.
Older Adults (ge 65 years) Use with caution is advised due to potential increased sensitivity.

Conditional Use and Restrictions

Use is contraindicated or requires caution in patients with specific comorbidities that may be aggravated by the drug's anticholinergic effects. These include narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy (difficulty urinating), chronic lung disease, or a history of seizure disorders. Patients with hepatic impairment (liver disease) should also use the medicine with caution.

Pregnancy and Lactation Status

The medicine is classified by the FDA as Pregnancy Category B. Use is permitted only if clearly needed. Since dimenhydrinate is excreted into human milk, the regulatory label advises a decision to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile of Cinfamar (Dimenhydrinate) is primarily defined by high-risk pharmacodynamic synergism, as documented in government regulatory sources.

Contraindicated Combinations and Major Risk Co-administration with Sodium Oxybate is explicitly contraindicated due to the risk of profound Central Nervous System (CNS) depression, which includes respiratory depression. The combination with Class I and III Antiarrhythmics (such as Amiodarone and Quinidine) is also restricted due to the documented potential for increased risk of QTc prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias.

Pharmacodynamic Synergism and Masking Dimenhydrinate has significant additive effects with alcohol and all other CNS depressants (such as sedatives, hypnotics, and narcotic analgesics), substantially increasing drowsiness and impaired coordination. Concurrent use with MAO Inhibitors or other Anticholinergic Drugs may intensify the risk of additive anticholinergic side effects. A key restriction involves ototoxic drugs; Dimenhydrinate may mask the early symptoms of ototoxicity, which is an officially documented caution.

Population and Substance Notes Injectable formulations are contraindicated in neonates and premature infants due to the toxicity risk associated with the excipient Benzyl Alcohol. Regulatory documents indicate that there are no known interactions with non-alcoholic food or drinks.

Mechanism of Action

Central Nervous System (CNS) Receptor Blockade

Cinfamar primarily works by acting as an antagonist, which means it blocks the activity of histamine H1 and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. This molecular action prevents key chemical messengers from binding to their targets, thereby reducing the magnitude of nerve signaling that is responsible for transmission of signals originating from motion detection and emetic pathways.


Vestibular Pathway Modulation

The drug's mechanism leads to the attenuation of signal transmission within the vestibular system (the inner ear's balance apparatus) and the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ). By reducing the excitability in these key brain centers, the drug alters the way the central nervous system processes movement information, resulting in reduced central nervous system responsiveness to movement input.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration of Cinfamar follows the labeled instructions provided for the specific formulation being used (e.g., Cinfamar 50 mg, Cinfamar Caffeine, or Cinfamar Infantil).

Administration Guidelines

Usage Domain Adult Formulation (e.g., Cinfamar 50 mg)
Route of Administration Oral (swallow tablets whole).
Dosing Schedule 1 or 2 tablets per dose (50-100 mg).
Frequency Repeat every 4 to 6 hours, as necessary.
Maximum Daily Dose Do not exceed 8 tablets (400 mg) per day.
Timing Relative to Activity Take the first dose at least 30 minutes before the start of the trip, or when symptoms first appear.
Timing Relative to Meals Tablets should be taken with food, milk, or water to minimize the risk of gastric irritation.
Special Conditions If using a formulation that contains caffeine, the last dose of the day should not be taken in the 6 hours before bedtime.
Age Group Rule Recommended for adults and children over 12 years of age. Separate instructions exist for children aged 2–12 years (Infantil formulation).

This protocol is intended to ensure the medicine is taken at the appropriate time to either prevent or manage symptoms, adhering to the specified quantity and interval limits. Following the explicit dose timing and maximum amounts is part of the established guidelines for use.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Cinfamar

This section provides a transparent summary of the studies and clinical data that have examined the patterns of Dimenhydrinate's evaluation, focusing only on the structure of the research and what data show patterns related to the observed populations. Research provides context but not individual predictions.


Evidence for Motion Sickness Prevention and Treatment

Research on Dimenhydrinate's evaluation for use in travel-related discomfort, which is a condition characterized by episodic or acute manifestations, is largely based on Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). The studies aimed to evaluate patient-reported outcomes, such as scores for nausea and dizziness, and physiological endpoints, including the incidence of vomiting. Studies exploring short-term symptom changes reported that findings describe patterns in the measured outcomes for susceptible adults compared to those receiving a placebo.

Scientific reviews have noted that the certainty remains low when considering data derived from the most controlled experimental conditions. Furthermore, the research has primarily explored the use of the medication prior to the onset of symptoms, and no studies evaluated the resolution of existing motion sickness symptoms after they have developed.


️ Evidence for Antiemetic Use in the Surgical Setting

Dimenhydrinate was evaluated in the context of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This evidence is consolidated through meta-analyses that pool data from multiple Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) across adult and pediatric surgical groups. The primary measure was the proportion of patients who remained completely free of all emetic symptoms. The findings describe group patterns indicating that a difference was observed in the incidence of patients remaining symptom-free compared to those receiving a placebo.

Research limitations include that the dose-response relationship is not fully established, and it remains uncertain whether giving the medication more than once provides additional insight in the surgical setting.


Research in Pediatric Patients for Acute Vomiting

Dimenhydrinate was studied for its evaluation in children and adolescents experiencing acute or disruptive episodes of vomiting associated with gastroenteritis. Findings were mixed across the few trials available for this specific evaluation. Consequently, the evidence is limited for this specific use, and high-quality data for certain groups remain insufficient to draw broad conclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cinfamar (FAQ)

Q: Is Cinfamar used for nausea and vomiting from causes other than motion sickness?

Regulatory documents primarily list the use of Cinfamar for preventing and treating symptoms associated with motion sickness. However, clinical research has also evaluated the medication for use in settings like postoperative nausea and vomiting and, in pediatric studies, for acute vomiting associated with gastroenteritis.


Q: Is Cinfamar safe to take if I have high blood pressure?

Official product information advises that caution should be exercised when this medication is taken by patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or hypertension (high blood pressure). Individuals with these conditions are advised to consult with a healthcare professional before use, as noted in the product information.


Q: Does Cinfamar affect driving or operating machinery?

Yes, Cinfamar can cause marked drowsiness or impairment of mental and/or physical abilities. Regulatory warnings caution the user to avoid driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery until they have observed how the drug personally affects them.


Q: Can you take Cinfamar every day for a long trip?

Regulatory documents define a maximum daily limit for the medication that must not be exceeded. Official guidance suggests that prolonged use of the medicine should be discussed with a physician to ensure safe and correct use over extended periods.


Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Cinfamar for my travel?

If a dose is missed when taking Cinfamar on a schedule, official guidance recommends taking the dose as soon as it is remembered. If it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the guidance is to skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Official guidance warns against taking a double dose to compensate for a missed one.


Q: Does Cinfamar need to be taken with food?

Regulatory documents generally recommend taking Cinfamar tablets with food, milk, or water. This instruction is given to help minimize the risk of gastric irritation, though some specific formulations may be permitted to be taken regardless of meals.


Q: Is there any research evidence that Cinfamar is effective for preventing motion sickness?

The medication is officially approved and labeled for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness symptoms. The efficacy of Cinfamar has been evaluated in various clinical trials, often randomized controlled trials (RCTs), focused on reducing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.


Q: Why do some people say Cinfamar makes them feel a little dizzy?

Dizziness is officially listed in regulatory documents as a common side effect of Cinfamar, alongside other effects like headache and drowsiness. This is a recognized response related to the drug's activity on the central nervous system.


Q: Is Cinfamar non-drowsy or does it always cause sleepiness?

Cinfamar is officially classified as a sedating H₁-antihistamine. Regulatory warnings confirm that marked drowsiness is one of the very common adverse effects associated with its use. The official product line does not contain a non-drowsy formulation.


Q: Can Cinfamar be used for sea sickness on a long cruise?

The labeled use of Cinfamar is for the prevention and treatment of symptoms associated with motion sickness in general. This category is widely understood in official usage documents to encompass various forms of travel, including sea travel.


Q: Why is Cinfamar sometimes called a sedating antihistamine?

Cinfamar is a first-generation H₁-antihistamine. Regulatory information classifies this type of drug as one that is centrally acting and has an effect that commonly results in sedation and drowsiness.


Q: Can Cinfamar be split or crushed if difficult to swallow?

Standard tablet formulations are generally advised to be swallowed whole. If a tablet has a score line (a break line), it may be designed to be split. The chewable tablet form, where available, is specifically designed to be thoroughly chewed before swallowing.


Q: Is Cinfamar safe to use for someone with asthma?

Official labeling advises that individuals with pre-existing breathing problems such as bronchial asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis should be cautious. Individuals with these conditions are advised to consult a doctor before use.


Q: What are the manufacturer's recommendations for maximum daily use?

The official maximum dosage per 24 hours is a regulatory limit established by health authorities and manufacturers. This limit is detailed in the official product information to guide users on the quantity not to be exceeded.


Q: Does Cinfamar interact with any heart medications?

Official documents caution that the medication should be used with careful consideration in patients with existing cardiovascular disease or arrhythmias. It is also known to interact with certain drugs that affect heart rhythm, such as Class I and III Antiarrhythmics. Consultation with a healthcare professional regarding specific heart medications is necessary.


Q: What are the most common side effects people experience with Cinfamar?

According to official documentation, the most frequently reported adverse effects are sedation and drowsiness, which are classified as 'Very Common.' Other common effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and constipation.


Q: Can I take Cinfamar if I am taking allergy medicine?

Regulatory guidance advises consulting a healthcare professional before taking Cinfamar alongside other antihistamines or medications that may cause drowsiness. Many allergy medicines are antihistamines, and combining them could lead to additive effects, such as increased sedation.


Q: Does Cinfamar interact with antidepressants or anxiety medications?

Official warnings advise consulting a doctor if you are taking medications such as sedatives, tranquilizers, or certain antidepressants (like MAO inhibitors). Cinfamar can have additive effects with these drugs, increasing the risk of drowsiness and other central nervous system side effects.


Q: Can Cinfamar be taken with cold and flu medicines?

Official warnings advise caution when combining Cinfamar with other antihistamines or sedating drugs. Many cold and flu products contain ingredients that fall into these categories, increasing the risk of enhanced drowsiness or other side effects.

How should Cinfamar be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Cinfamar?

The official storage guidelines for Cinfamar (Dimenhydrinate) are defined by regulatory authorities to ensure product stability and public safety.

Storage Requirements

  • Temperature: Store at controlled room temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C, with excursions permitted up to 30 C.
  • Protection: The medicine must be kept in a dry place and protected from moisture and excess heat; liquid forms must also be protected from freezing.
  • Container: Keep the medication in the container it came in, ensuring it is tightly closed.
  • Child Safety: It is mandatory to store the product out of the sight and reach of children using a safe, up-and-away location.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Cinfamar should preferably be disposed of through a drug take-back program. If a program is unavailable, the product must be mixed with an unappealing substance, sealed in a bag, and disposed of with household trash. The product is not included on the official list of medicines recommended for flushing down the sink or toilet.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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