Stugeron

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

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 Stugeron

Property Description
Active ingredient Cinnarizine
Form Oral Tablet (Monotherapy)
Pharmacological Class Antihistamine and Selective Calcium Channel Blocker
Common Use Managing symptoms of balance and motion disorders
Origin Synthetic Piperazine Derivative

What is Stugeron and its Active Ingredient, Cinnarizine?

Stugeron is a trade name for the pharmaceutical preparation containing the active substance Cinnarizine. Cinnarizine is a synthetic organic compound that is chemically classified as a piperazine derivative, a chemical family characterized by its effects on the central nervous system. The medicine is predominantly supplied as a monotherapy in the form of an oral tablet for systemic administration, with Cinnarizine being the sole component responsible for its pharmacological action. The substance is used in managing vestibular symptoms and addressing inner ear-related complaints.

Pharmacological Classification and Drug Type

Cinnarizine holds a dual pharmacological classification: it functions as a first-generation antihistamine and, uniquely among older antihistamines, a selective calcium channel blocker. This dual nature is significant, as the compound acts not only as a competitive antagonist at histamine H1-receptors but also selectively inhibits the flow of calcium ions into depolarized cells. The substance is categorized within the group of antivertigo preparations (ATC code N07CA02). This dual action is described as the key differentiating factor for its action in stabilizing the vestibular system.

Physical Form and General Therapeutic Purpose

The medicine is physically presented as a solid oral tablet and is utilized to manage the disorienting symptoms associated with balance disorders and motion. By exerting a labyrinthine suppressant action—a mechanism that functions to stabilize the inner ear's vestibular system—Stugeron generally helps to relieve sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, and the associated discomfort or nausea. A typical neutral use scenario involves taking the tablet to mitigate symptoms of dizziness that may arise from sudden changes in balance or during travel.

Regulatory References

  1. European Medicines Agency
  2. Cinnarizine Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)

What side effects are possible with Stugeron?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Stugeron (Cinnarizine) has a documented safety profile derived from clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance, classified by regulatory authorities. Adverse reactions are grouped by system-organ class and frequency.

Common adverse reactions, occurring in up to 1 in 10 patients, include Somnolence (Drowsiness) and Weight Increased. Gastrointestinal issues, such as Nausea, Vomiting, and Dyspepsia (indigestion), are classified as Uncommon.

Adverse reactions reported with a frequency of Not Known (meaning frequency cannot be estimated from available data) often relate to the Nervous System and Skin. These include Extrapyramidal Disorder, Parkinsonism, Tremor, and serious skin reactions like Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus and Lichen Planus. Cholestatic Jaundice, a rare liver disorder, is also documented in this category.

Safety Constraints and Special Populations

Official safety documents note that the risk of certain serious adverse reactions, particularly Extrapyramidal symptoms, increases with prolonged treatment and is predominantly observed in older adults. For individuals with pre-existing Parkinson’s Disease, use requires specific consideration, as the condition may be aggravated.

Somnolence may be more likely to occur at the start of treatment. Caution is officially advised regarding concurrent use with alcohol or CNS depressants, as this may potentiate the sedative effects of the medicine. The medicine is contraindicated in individuals with a rare blood disorder known as Porphyria. To help minimize potential epigastric discomfort, taking the tablet after meals is noted in the official prescribing information.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

This section details the officially documented overdose profile of Cinnarizine (Stugeron) based strictly on governmental regulatory prescribing information.

Property Value
Documented Overdose Manifestations: Alterations in consciousness (ranging from somnolence to stupor and coma), vomiting, extrapyramidal symptoms, and hypotonia.
Physiological Systems Affected: Central Nervous System (CNS)
Dose-Related Factors: Acute overdoses have been reported with doses ranging from 90 mg to 2,250 mg.
Population-Specific Notes: Seizures have developed in a small number of young children. Deaths have been reported after single and polydrug overdoses.
Emergency-Response Statements: Contact a poison control centre for the latest management recommendations. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive care.
Antidote Information: No specific antidote is known.

Required Emergency Action

Immediate medical attention is required for severe manifestations such as alterations in consciousness, coma, seizures, or persistent vomiting. The regulatory profile classifies Cinnarizine overdose by a primary risk of severe CNS depression and neurological complications. Because no specific antidote is available according to official labeling, the required emergency action focuses strictly on contacting a poison control centre and initiating supportive care to manage the documented clinical manifestations. Pediatric patients need to be observed in a health care facility for potential neurological complications.

Therapeutic Uses of Stugeron

What Stugeron Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Stugeron, known by the generic name Cinnarizine, is primarily used to manage symptoms associated with vestibular disorders and motion sickness. It is used to help manage the distressing feelings of dizziness and nausea. Common clinical scenarios where Stugeron offers support include managing travel sickness (kinetosis), assisting in the relief of symptoms of Ménière's disease—such as vertigo, tinnitus, and nausea—and addressing other forms of dizziness.

The core benefit is the relief of these disruptive symptoms, which may contribute to improved daily comfort. As the medication works to minimize the feeling of movement and spinning, it is intended to provide support for travel or managing chronic balance issues. A brief listing of its indications includes: motion sickness, vertigo due to peripheral vestibular disorders, dizziness, and the management of symptoms associated with Ménière’s disease.

“It helps control the inner ear's response to movement, making the world feel less wobbly.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Dizziness and Nausea

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Stugeron (Cinnarizine) eligibility is determined by official regulatory documents based on age, pre-existing conditions, and physiological status.

Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated

Stugeron is contra-indicated and must not be used by individuals with:

  • Known Hypersensitivity: An established allergy to cinnarizine or any of the product's excipients.
  • Porphyria: A group of rare, inherited blood disorders.
  • Hereditary Intolerances: Rare hereditary problems of fructose or galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption (due to tablet ingredients).

Age-Related Eligibility Rules

Age Group Eligibility Status
Children under 5 years Use is not recommended by regulatory authorities.
Children 5 years and over Approved for use (e.g., motion sickness, balance disorders).
Older Adults (Geriatric) Generally allowed, but long-term use requires caution due to potential risk of extrapyramidal symptoms.

Condition-Specific Eligibility Restrictions

The medicine is subject to conditional use or requires special care in specific patient populations:

  • Parkinson's Disease: Should only be administered if the therapeutic advantages clearly outweigh the possible risk of aggravating the condition.
  • Hepatic or Renal Insufficiency: Should be used with care due to the lack of specific studies in these populations.
  • Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): Should be used with reasonable caution.

Pregnancy and Lactation Eligibility Status

  • Pregnancy: Use is not advisable or not recommended as safety in human pregnancy has not been established.
  • Lactation: Use in nursing mothers is not recommended as there are no data available on the excretion of Cinnarizine in human breast milk.

This structure defines who can and cannot use the medicine according to official regulatory classification, from absolute prohibition to categories requiring special caution.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents define the interaction profile of Stugeron (Cinnarizine) primarily through pharmacodynamic effects and interference with diagnostic procedures.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Cinnarizine acts as a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant. Co-administration with other substances that also depress the CNS may result in an additive potentiation of sedative effects. This interaction is officially documented for:

  • Alcohol (Ethanol): Concurrent use may potentiate the central sedative effect.
  • Central Nervous System Depressants: This broad category includes tricyclic antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotics, where co-administration enhances sedative effects.

Procedural and Population Constraints

While no drug-drug combinations are formally classified as contraindicated based on interaction mechanisms, two significant constraints are noted in regulatory information:

Constraint Type Interacting Factor Regulatory Requirement
Diagnostic Interference Dermal Reactivity Testing Must be suspended at least four days prior to allergy skin testing to prevent false negative results.
Population Note Elderly Patients The risk of developing or aggravating extrapyramidal symptoms is observed to be heightened in the elderly during prolonged therapy.

No specific pharmacokinetic interactions mediated by CYP450 enzymes or drug transporters are formally described in official regulatory labels.

Mechanism of Action

How Stugeron Works: Mechanism of Action

Cinnarizine modulates the signaling pathways associated with motion and balance perception by simultaneously engaging two primary mechanistic pathways: central nervous system suppression and peripheral sensory cell modulation.


Central Suppression via H1-Receptor Blockade

Cinnarizine acts as a competitive antagonist at the histamine H1-receptors in the central nervous system. By blocking these receptors, the drug reduces the excitatory input of histamine to the vestibular nuclei in the brainstem, which are crucial for processing afferent sensory information. This mechanism initiates a key physiological cascade that decreases the net excitatory output of the central vestibular nuclei.


Peripheral Modulation and Selective Calcium Channel Blockade

This secondary domain involves the drug's role as a selective calcium channel blocker (L- and T-types), primarily affecting the sensory hair cells of the inner ear labyrinth. By limiting the influx of calcium ions ( Ca^2+) into these cells, Cinnarizine modulates neurotransmitter release, resulting in the hypoexcitability of the peripheral sensory apparatus. This action is complemented by its ability to induce vasorelaxation and increase localized blood flow in the cerebral microcirculation.

Dosage and Administration Information

Cinnarizine is for oral administration and is available in different strengths, such as 15 mg and 25 mg tablets. Instructions typically specify taking the tablets after meals or with food to minimize potential gastrointestinal irritation, with the flexibility to be sucked, chewed, or swallowed whole with water.

Usage patterns are distinct based on the condition. For chronic vestibular disorders (balance issues), the typical adult regimen involves a total daily dose of 75 mg to 90 mg, which is administered in three divided doses throughout the day. This regimen is utilized for courses spanning several months, and the dosage may be progressively increased over time as necessary.

Motion sickness prophylaxis follows a short-term, intermittent use pattern. The adult dose begins with 30 mg taken 2 hours prior to the start of travel. If additional doses are necessary during the journey, they are separated by a minimum of 8 hours. The maximum daily dose for any indication is established not to exceed 225 mg. For children aged 5 to 11, the dosage is approximately half the adult dose for both common uses.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Stugeron (Cinnarizine)

Evidence for Use in Managing Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

The research base for Cinnarizine was developed for conditions involving balance issues and is structured around multiple Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. These studies primarily examine adult populations experiencing peripheral vertigo and dizziness. Researchers monitored patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort, such as formal scoring systems for vertigo intensity, over defined time intervals, typically up to four weeks.

While Cinnarizine monotherapy was evaluated in trials against placebo structures and other interventions, the comparative evidence is often structured around a fixed-dose combination containing Cinnarizine. Findings from these fixed-combination studies often describe patterns that contribute to the broader evidence landscape when compared with monotherapy structures.


Evidence for Use in Preventing Motion Sickness

Cinnarizine was studied for its role as a preventative measure against motion sickness (kinetosis). The evidence here is rooted in acute, short-term Randomized Controlled Trials conducted in susceptible adult groups. The outcomes measured focus on prophylaxis (prevention) outcomes, such as the proportion of participants who avoided symptoms entirely during the exposure period. Research exploring short-term symptom changes in relation to movement data show patterns related to prophylactic use.


Study Duration and Research Limitations

The majority of pivotal studies exploring Cinnarizine were conducted during the acute phase, and follow-up durations were limited (maximum four weeks). This indicates that long-term effects are not fully established, and there is limited information regarding use beyond this short-term period.

Additionally, comparative evidence is lacking for Cinnarizine monotherapy against some current active treatments, and the amount of published evidence for use in children for motion sickness is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Stugeron (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Stugeron usually start to work for motion sickness?

A: Regulatory documents state that the active ingredient, Cinnarizine, reaches its highest concentration in the blood approximately one to three hours after taking a dose. This pharmacokinetic data may be used to inform discussions about when the medicine might begin to exert its effects. For motion sickness prevention, official guidelines suggest taking the dose before starting travel.


Q: How long do the effects of Stugeron last after taking it?

A: The elimination half-life is a measure used to describe how long a drug remains in the body and continues to be active. According to official product information, the elimination half-life for Cinnarizine is reported as ranging widely, from approximately three to 24 hours.


Q: Can Stugeron be taken for travel sickness on long journeys?

A: Yes, the official dosing schedule for preventing motion sickness is designed to accommodate longer journeys. Official prescribing information describes how any additional doses should be spaced out during an extended trip if necessary.


Q: Is it true that Stugeron is used in some research for circulation problems?

A: Official prescribing information in some regions lists the management of peripheral circulatory disorders as a therapeutic use for Cinnarizine tablets. This is supported by its anti-vasoconstrictor properties. This use is distinct from its primary role in managing balance and motion disorders.


Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks that should be avoided when taking Stugeron?

A: Official product information notes that taking the medicine after meals may help minimize the possibility of stomach irritation. Beyond this recommendation and the stated interaction with alcohol, no specific foods are listed as being required to be avoided in regulatory information.


Q: Is there a generic version of Stugeron available?

A: Stugeron is the recognized trade name for the active ingredient, Cinnarizine. Cinnarizine is widely available as a generic medicine in the form of tablets.


Q: Will Stugeron stop me from vomiting, or just treat the feeling of nausea?

A: Official indications state Cinnarizine is used in the management of symptoms related to inner ear disorders that include both the sensation of nausea and the symptom of vomiting.


Q: How does Stugeron affect blood pressure?

A: Official documents indicate the need for caution in people with pre-existing low blood pressure, known as hypotension. Official documents further indicate that the use of high doses may cause a fall in blood pressure.


Q: Are allergic reactions to Stugeron common?

A: An allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) is described in regulatory safety summaries as a potential risk. However, patient information leaflets describe these reactions as a very serious but rare side effect.


Q: Can Stugeron be taken by people with high blood pressure?

A: High blood pressure is not typically listed as a contraindication in official monotherapy documents. However, caution is advised in some official documents when Cinnarizine is used in combination with another medicine, as it may aggravate conditions sensitive to anticholinergic effects.


Q: What does 'vertigo' mean when official documents mention Stugeron treating it?

A: To help patients understand the condition, official materials often describe vertigo in simple terms. It is defined as a spinning feeling or a sensation of severe dizziness.


Q: What is the difference between Stugeron and Dramamine (or similar common motion sickness drugs)?

A: Stugeron (Cinnarizine) is classified as both a first-generation antihistamine and a selective calcium channel blocker. Regulatory text indicates this dual action means it primarily acts on the peripheral vestibular system (the inner ear), unlike some other motion sickness drugs which act mainly on the central nervous system.


Q: Can Stugeron affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: Yes, Cinnarizine may cause drowsiness, particularly when first starting treatment. Official documents contain a warning that individuals experiencing drowsiness should refrain from driving vehicles or operating machinery.


Q: What should I do if I forget to take my Stugeron before a trip?

A: Regulatory patient guidance describes taking the dose as soon as it is remembered. Patients are generally advised in regulatory patient information not to take two doses to make up for the forgotten dose.


Q: Does Stugeron cause dry mouth?

A: Yes, dry mouth is listed in the official documents as one of the possible undesirable effects of Cinnarizine.


Q: What does the term 'peripheral vestibular disorders' mean in relation to Stugeron?

A: The peripheral vestibular system refers to the balance-sensing apparatus located in the inner ear. Cinnarizine is known to act on the sensory cells within this system to help manage dizziness and balance issues.


Q: Is Stugeron used to treat Meniere's disease?

A: Yes, official indications confirm that Cinnarizine is used for the management of symptoms that are associated with a condition known as Ménière's disease. These symptoms include sensations of vertigo and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).


Q: Is Stugeron known to interact with herbal supplements?

A: Official information advises caution regarding herbal remedies and supplements that may cause side effects like drowsiness or dry mouth. This is because official testing on the safety of taking Cinnarizine with many supplements is often not available.


Q: How long after stopping Stugeron does it clear from the body?

A: The elimination half-life, which tracks the removal of the drug, is reported as ranging from approximately three to 24 hours. Once metabolized, the elimination of the remaining compound occurs through both the urine and the faeces.


Q: Is Stugeron considered addictive?

A: Regulatory bodies generally classify Cinnarizine as an over-the-counter medicine with limited risk and addiction potential.


Q: Is it safe to use Stugeron if I have glaucoma?

A: Official documents indicate that caution is advised for individuals with glaucoma. Some regulatory information also lists primary angle-closure glaucoma as a condition for which the medicine should not be taken.

How should Stugeron be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Stugeron?

The storage and disposal of Stugeron (Cinnarizine) tablets must adhere strictly to the official requirements detailed in regulatory documentation.

Official Storage Requirements

Item Requirement
Temperature Store at or below 25 C to 30 C; check packaging for specific limit.
Protection Keep protected from light and store in a dry place.
Container Keep the medicine in its original packaging.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Regulatory instructions forbid disposal through household waste or wastewater (e.g., flushing). Unused or expired Stugeron must be taken to a pharmacist or pharmaceutical collection point for disposal, ensuring compliance with local environmental requirements. The tablets must not be used beyond the expiry date shown on the packaging.

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

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