Stugeron (Cinnarizine) — Patient Information (Australia)

Stugeron contains cinnarizine, a medicine used to help reduce symptoms related to motion sickness and certain types of dizziness. This guide explains how Stugeron works, how it is usually used, what to expect, and important safety considerations for adults and older children (where applicable).

Always read the label and follow the directions from your healthcare professional or pharmacist. If you are unsure whether Stugeron is suitable for you, ask before use.

Basic product information

• Active ingredient: Cinnarizine
• Brand name: Stugeron
• Medicine type: Antihistamine with anti-vertigo effects (a vestibular suppressant)
• Common dosage forms (may vary by product strength/pack): Tablets
• Typical use: Motion sickness, vertigo, and dizziness due to certain conditions

How Stugeron works (mechanism of action)

Cinnarizine helps reduce the symptoms of dizziness and vertigo mainly by acting on the inner ear and blood vessels.

• Anti-histamine effect: It blocks H1 (histamine) receptors, which can contribute to reduced nausea and motion-related symptoms.
• Anti-vertigo/vestibular calming effect: It affects the pathways involved in balance (vestibular system), which can lessen the sensation of spinning or movement.
• Calcium-channel effects: Cinnarizine may reduce calcium movement in certain cells, contributing to its ability to dampen abnormal signals in the balance system.
• Vasodilation (mild): It can mildly reduce blood-vessel responsiveness, which may indirectly support vestibular stability.

What this means for you: You may feel less nausea, spinning, or unsteadiness when travelling, and dizziness may improve when the underlying cause is related to vestibular disturbance.

Pharmacokinetics (what the body does to the medicine)

Pharmacokinetics describes how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolises, and eliminates a medicine.

• Absorption: Cinnarizine is absorbed after oral dosing.
• Distribution: It distributes to tissues, including the central nervous system, which supports its effects on dizziness.
• Metabolism: It is metabolised primarily in the liver.
• Elimination: The medicine and its metabolites are removed mainly via urine and faeces.
• Onset: Effects for motion sickness can start within a short time, but timing matters (see “Timing” below).

Variability: Response can vary between individuals, especially for people who are sensitive to sedating medicines or have underlying conditions affecting balance.

Typical uses of Stugeron

Stugeron is commonly used for:

• Motion sickness: Prevention and symptom relief of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and unsteadiness during travel (e.g., car, boat, air).
• Vertigo and dizziness: Relief of symptoms associated with balance disorders, including certain causes of vertigo.
• Other dizziness syndromes: Where dizziness is believed to be vestibular in origin.

Important note: Stugeron treats symptoms of dizziness and motion-related nausea. It does not cure the underlying cause of all dizziness.

When to take Stugeron (timing guidance)

Timing is especially important for motion sickness prevention.

For motion sickness (travel)

• Take in advance: Take Stugeron about 30 minutes to 2 hours before travelling (start with closer to 30–60 minutes if you know you respond quickly).
• Continue if needed: Dosing frequency may be repeated during the journey if symptoms recur, based on the product instructions.

For dizziness/vertigo symptoms

• Use as directed for ongoing symptom control.
• If you notice dizziness persists or worsens after several doses, reassess with a clinician or pharmacist.

Tip: If it’s your first time taking Stugeron, consider testing on a day when you can rest, as sedation can occur in some people.

Food interactions and what to eat

Food interactions are generally minimal for cinnarizine. However, comfort and tolerability may change with meals.

• Take with or after food if you experience nausea or stomach upset.
• Avoid heavy, greasy meals right before travel if they worsen nausea—this can improve comfort whether or not you’re taking Stugeron.
• If Stugeron makes you sleepy, eating large meals can further increase drowsiness in some people.

Alcohol and medicine interactions

Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, slowed reaction time, and impaired coordination while using Stugeron.

• Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Stugeron.
• Be cautious with driving or operating machinery if you feel sleepy.

Other medicines to consider: Because Stugeron can cause sedation in some people, extra care is needed when combined with other medicines that affect the brain or nervous system.

• Sedatives/sleeping tablets
• Opioid pain medicines
• Anti-anxiety medicines and some antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Other antihistamines (for allergies or colds)
• Medicines that can cause drowsiness (including some cough/cold preparations)

Always tell your pharmacist what else you are taking (including supplements and non-prescription products) so they can check for interaction risk.

Indications — what conditions it’s used for

Stugeron (cinnarizine) is indicated for:

• Prevention and relief of symptoms of motion sickness (such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and vertigo related to travel).
• Vertigo and dizziness associated with disorders of the vestibular system.

If your dizziness is sudden, severe, or accompanied by danger signs (e.g., weakness on one side, trouble speaking, severe headache), seek urgent medical care.

Dosing (how to take Stugeron safely)

Always follow the dosage on the product packaging or the advice of a healthcare professional. Below is general guidance based on common adult use patterns. Exact dosing can vary depending on the strength of the tablets and local product recommendations.

Adults (general guidance)

• Motion sickness: Often taken 30 minutes to 2 hours before travel, with repeat doses as needed during the journey based on product directions.
• Dizziness/vertigo: Typically taken multiple times per day as directed.

Children

• Children should only use Stugeron if the product instructions allow and dosing is appropriate for the child’s age and weight.
• Because safety and side effects can differ for children, ask a pharmacist for the correct dosing and whether it is suitable.

Missed dose

• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to your next dose.
• Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed one.

Do not exceed recommended maximum

• Sticking to the label is important to reduce risk of adverse effects.
• If you have taken more than recommended, seek medical advice or contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26).

Practical dosing tip: For motion sickness, it’s usually better to take the dose early enough rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

Safety profile and side effects

Like all medicines, Stugeron can cause side effects. Not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects

• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Stomach discomfort, nausea (usually mild)

Less common effects

• Constipation or other mild gastrointestinal effects
• Blurred vision (rare)
• Restlessness or unusual sensitivity in some individuals

Seek urgent help if you experience

• Allergic reaction symptoms (swelling of face/lips, rash, difficulty breathing)
• Severe or worsening dizziness or fainting
• Confusion, severe sedation, or trouble waking
• Unusual involuntary movements (if you have a history of movement disorders, seek advice promptly)

Driving and operating machinery

• Because Stugeron can cause drowsiness, avoid driving or risky activities until you know how it affects you.
• Be especially careful after first use or when combining with alcohol or other sedating medicines.

Special caution groups

• Older adults: Increased sensitivity to drowsiness; use caution.
• People with liver problems: As cinnarizine is metabolised in the liver, discuss suitability and monitoring.
• Those with neurological conditions or movement disorders: Ask a pharmacist for advice if you have Parkinson’s disease or related conditions.
• People taking multiple sedating medicines: Higher drowsiness risk—review your medication list.

Practical use tips (make it work for you)

• Plan ahead for travel: Taking it at the right time helps prevent symptoms.
• Start with a test run: If you’ve never tried Stugeron, consider taking it on a day you can rest to see if it makes you sleepy.
• Hydrate and avoid alcohol: Dehydration and alcohol can worsen dizziness and nausea.
• Choose the best seat: Front seats in cars, near the centre of boats, and over the wings in aircraft often reduce motion intensity.
• Keep distractions in mind: Reading or scrolling during travel can worsen motion sickness for some people.
• If symptoms persist: Dizziness with new neurological symptoms, severe headache, chest pain, or fainting should be assessed urgently.

Alternative options for motion sickness and dizziness

Depending on the cause of dizziness, personal risk factors, and how well you tolerate medicines, alternatives may include:

Motion sickness alternatives

• Non-drug strategies: Fresh air, looking at the horizon, minimising screen use, and choosing stabilising seating.
• Other anti-nausea/antihistamine options: Some antihistamines used for motion sickness may be available as non-prescription products in Australia. A pharmacist can guide you to the most suitable choice for your situation.
• Acupressure options: Some people find wrist acupressure bands helpful.

Dizziness/vertigo alternatives

• Condition-specific treatment: If dizziness is related to inner ear problems (such as BPPV), targeted therapies may be more effective than a general anti-vertigo medicine.
• Vestibular rehabilitation: Exercises supervised by a clinician can reduce chronic dizziness for some causes.

When to choose professional review: If dizziness is frequent, disabling, or associated with hearing changes, tinnitus, fainting, weakness, or speech difficulties, it’s important to seek medical advice rather than relying on symptom relief alone.

Market and legal context for Australia (non-prescription availability)

In Australia, many consumer medicines are supplied through regulated channels and may be available as non-prescription (where permitted) depending on the product schedule and packaging.

• Availability can vary by strength, pack size, and regulatory scheduling at the time of purchase.
• Online pharmacies must meet Australian regulatory requirements for supply and distribution.
• Always purchase from a reputable Australian-licensed online pharmacy where medicines are stored and handled according to standards.

Recent guidance and safety messaging: Product recommendations can be updated as new safety information emerges. If you are using Stugeron regularly, review the leaflet and check with a pharmacist for the most current advice, especially regarding drowsiness, older adults, and interaction risk.

Delivery and availability (online pharmacy expectations)

Online pharmacies in Australia typically offer:

• Home delivery within Australia (delivery times vary by region and courier).
• Tracking notifications where available.
• Secure packaging to protect tablets during transit.
• Stock availability updates on product pages.

What to check when ordering:

• Confirm the active ingredient (cinnarizine) and the strength listed.
• Check expiry date (where shown) and pack size.
• Look for the Australian product information included with the medicine.

FAQ — Stugeron (Cinnarizine)

1) Is Stugeron only for motion sickness?

Stugeron is commonly used for motion sickness prevention and symptom relief. It is also used for certain types of dizziness and vertigo related to balance disturbances. If you are unsure about your dizziness cause, ask a pharmacist or clinician.

2) How fast does it work?

For travel-related symptoms, taking Stugeron 30 minutes to 2 hours before you travel helps it work when you need it. For ongoing dizziness, it may take consistent use to notice improvement—follow the product directions.

3) Can I take Stugeron with food?

Yes, food generally does not prevent its use. If you find it upsets your stomach, consider taking it with or after food.

4) Will Stugeron make me sleepy?

Some people experience drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you, especially after the first dose.

5) Can I drink alcohol while taking Stugeron?

It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol because combining alcohol with Stugeron can increase sedation and impair coordination.

6) What should I do if I’m travelling and still feel symptoms?

If symptoms break through, review whether you took it at the correct time. Follow the dosing directions for additional doses (do not exceed the recommended maximum). If motion sickness is severe or persistent, consult a pharmacist for an alternative approach.

7) Who should take extra care with Stugeron?

Older adults, people with liver issues, those taking other sedating medicines, and people with movement disorders should use caution and seek advice if unsure.

8) What are dangerous signs of dizziness?

Seek urgent care if dizziness comes with symptoms such as weakness on one side, trouble speaking, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, or trouble breathing.

9) Are there alternatives if I don’t tolerate Stugeron?

Some people prefer non-drug strategies for motion sickness or other medicine options. A pharmacist can recommend alternatives based on your symptoms and other medications.

10) Can I use Stugeron long-term?

Use for long-term dizziness should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially if symptoms are frequent or worsening. Stugeron is usually used to manage symptoms, and the underlying cause should be considered.

Summary

Stugeron (cinnarizine) is an anti-vertigo antihistamine used to help prevent and relieve motion sickness and certain types of dizziness and vertigo. It works by calming vestibular signalling and reducing histamine-related symptoms. Timing is important—especially for travel—and you should be cautious about drowsiness, alcohol, and drug interactions.

If you are unsure about the cause of your dizziness or if you experience severe or unusual symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.

Quick reference dosing table (general guidance)

Note: Dosing varies by age, tablet strength, and product instructions. Always follow the label or pharmacist guidance.