Overview of Cinnarin
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Cinnarizine (C26H28N2) |
| Form | Tablets (Oral Administration) |
| Pharmacological Class | Antihistamine (H1 antagonist) and Calcium Channel Blocker |
| Common Use | Vestibular disorders, motion sickness, vertigo |
| Origin | Synthetic Organic Compound |
Cinnarin: Definition, Composition, and Origin
Cinnarin is a common trade name for a medicinal preparation containing the synthetic organic compound Cinnarizine as its sole active ingredient. This compound is chemically defined by the formula C26H28N2 and is typically administered orally in tablet form. Cinnarizine is characterized by high lipophilicity, which allows it to readily cross biological membranes. The preparation is widely available as a single-entity drug, which distinguishes it from combination products containing agents like Dimenhydrinate.
What Pharmacological Class Does Cinnarizine Belong To?
Cinnarizine is classified under the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) system as an Antivertigo preparation. Functionally, it is assigned to two distinct pharmacological classes: it acts as a first-generation antihistamine (H1 receptor antagonist) and, crucially, as a selective calcium channel blocker. This multimodal mechanism of action is critical; while it is chemically related to other antihistamines in the piperazine derivative class, its primary use stems from its ability to modulate calcium influx in the central nervous system and inner ear vasculature.
General Purpose: What Does Cinnarin Help to Mitigate?
The general therapeutic purpose of Cinnarizine is to address symptoms arising from disturbances of the inner ear and balance system, collectively known as vestibular disorders. The compound's combined actions of vestibular system suppression and inner ear vascular relaxation help mitigate the sensory instability responsible for these symptoms. Cinnarizine has an application in the reduction of vertigo and related symptoms due to its effect on the inner ear structures. The general benefit is the effective mitigation of associated discomfort, including the sensations of intense spinning (vertigo), general dizziness, and the prevention of symptoms linked to motion sickness and reflexive nausea.

