Brand name:
STUGERON (Cinnarizine)
Generic name: Cetirizine hydrochloride
Why is STUGERON (Cinnarizine) / Zirtec / Cetirizine prescribed?
Cinnarizine is an anti-histaminic drug which is mainly used for the
control of vomiting due to motion sickness. Cinnarizine was first synthesized
by Janssen Pharmaceutica in 1955.
It acts by interfering with the signal transmission between vestibular
apparatus of the inner ear and the vomiting centre of the hypothalamus.
The disparity of signal processing between inner ear motion receptors
and the visual senses is abolished, so that the confusion of brain
whether the individual is moving or standing is reduced. Vomiting in
motion sickness is actually a physiological compensatory mechanism
of the brain to keep the individual from moving so that it can adjust
to the signal perception.
STUGERON (Cinnarizine) is an antihistamine. It is prescribed to treat the sneezing;
itchy, runny nose; and itchy, red, watery eyes caused by seasonal allergies
such as hay fever. STUGERON (Cinnarizine) also relieves the symptoms of year-round
allergies due to dust, mold, and animal dander. This medication is
also used in the treatment of chronic itchy skin and hives.
Most important fact about STUGERON (Cinnarizine)
STUGERON (Cinnarizine) may cause drowsiness. Be especially careful driving or operating
dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that
requires full mental alertness until you know how you react to STUGERON (Cinnarizine).
How should you take STUGERON (Cinnarizine)?
No prescription is required for this product in Canada.
This medicine is an antihistamine used to treat hay fever and other
allergic conditions such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes,
and sneezing.
Ingredients: 10MG CETIRIZINE (se-TI-ra-zeen)
Directions: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided
by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN on an empty stomach or with
food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light.
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If
it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back
to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions: THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL and other
depressants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. DO
NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS
until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine
alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability
to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. FOR WOMEN:
IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED
while taking this medicine.
Take STUGERON (Cinnarizine) once a day, exactly as prescribed.
This medication can be taken with or without food.STUGERON (Cinnarizine)
may make your mouth dry. Sucking hard candy, chewing a stick
of gum, or melting bits of ice in your mouth can provide relief.
Why should STUGERON (Cinnarizine) not be prescribed?
Avoid STUGERON (Cinnarizine) if it causes a reaction, or if you have ever had a reaction
to the similar drug Atarax.
Special warnings about STUGERON (Cinnarizine) .If you have kidney
or liver disease, be sure to tell your doctor. Your dose of STUGERON (Cinnarizine) may have to be reduced.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking STUGERON (Cinnarizine).You
should avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping
pills, or muscle relaxants while using STUGERON (Cinnarizine).
They can lead
to increased drowsiness and reduced mental alertness. Among the products
to avoid are the following:
Antidepressants such as Tofranil, Elavil, Ludiomil, and Anafranil
Muscle relaxants such as Valium and Soma
Pain-relieving narcotics such as codeine, Demerol, and Percocet
Sedatives such as Nembutal, Seconal, and phenobarbital
Sleeping pills such as Halcion, Restoril, and Ambien
High doses of theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of STUGERON (Cinnarizine) during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
STUGERON (Cinnarizine) appears in breast milk and should not be used if you are breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for STUGERON (Cinnarizine).ADULTS AND CHILDREN
12 YEARS AND OLDER
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. In adults,
the primary symptom of a STUGERON (Cinnarizine) overdose is extreme sleepiness. In
children, restlessness and irritability may precede drowsiness. If
you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
If you miss a dose ...
If you are taking STUGERON (Cinnarizine) on a regular schedule,
take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time
for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store the tablets and syrup at room temperature. The syrup may be
refrigerated.
STUGERON (Cinnarizine) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking STUGERON (Cinnarizine).*
Side effects in adults may include: Drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue
* Side effects in children aged 6 to 11 may include:
Abdominal pain, coughing, diarrhea, headache, nosebleed, sleepiness, sore throat,
wheezing
