Cinnarizine

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Cinnarizine
Systematic (IUPAC) name
1-benzhydryl-4-cinnamyl-piperazine
Identifiers
CAS number	298-57-7
ATC code	N07CA02
PubChem	2761
DrugBank	APRD00332
Chemical data
Formula	C26H28N2
Mol. weight	368.514 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status
Routes	?

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 interefering 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 individul from moving so that it can adjust to the signal perception.

[edit] References

• Barrett RJ Jr, Zolov B, A clinical evaluation of cinnarizine (Mitronal) in various allergic disorders, J Maine Med Assoc. 1960 Dec;51:454-7.
• Towse G., Cinnarizine--a labyrinthine sedative, J Laryngol Otol. 1980 Sep;94(9):1009-15.