Stugeron NEW

Stugeron is a brand name for the drug whose active ingredient is Cinnarizine. It is primarily classified as a selective calcium channel blocker and is used mainly to treat vertigo and motion sickness. It is also used for peripheral vascular diseases, though this is less common.

1. Chemical and Pharmacological Identity

• Generic (Active) Ingredient: Cinnarizine

  Chemical Class: A piperazine derivative and a selective calcium channel blocker.

  IUPAC Name: 1-(diphenylmethyl)-4-(3-phenylprop-2-en-1-yl)piperazine

  Molecular Formula: C₂₆H₂₈N₂

2. Mechanism of Action (How it Works)

Cinnarizine's therapeutic effects come from several key actions:

1. Calcium Channel Blockade:

• It is a selective T-type calcium channel blocker.

  In blood vessels, it inhibits the influx of calcium into vascular smooth muscle cells. This causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), particularly in the cerebral (brain) and peripheral vasculature.

  In the inner ear (vestibular system), it blocks calcium channels, which helps stabilize the firing of vestibular nerve cells. This reduces the hyperexcitability that causes sensations of vertigo and dizziness.

2. Antihistaminic Activity:

• Cinnarizine also has H₁-antihistamine properties.

  This action is particularly important for its use in motion sickness. It acts on the vomiting center in the brainstem and the vestibular apparatus to reduce nausea and dizziness triggered by motion.

3. Other Effects:

• It has mild sedative effects, which can also contribute to its relief of vertigo and nausea.

3. Primary Medical Uses

Stugeron (Cinnarizine) is prescribed for:

1. Vertigo and Dizziness:

• This is its most common and prominent use.

  It is effective for vertigo associated with Ménière's disease, vestibular disorders, and other inner ear problems.

2. Motion Sickness:

• It is highly effective in preventing and treating the nausea, vomiting, and dizziness of motion sickness (e.g., car, boat, or plane travel).

3. Peripheral Vascular Disease (Less Common):

• Due to its vasodilatory effects, it is sometimes used to improve blood flow in conditions like Ray's phenomenon, intermittent claudication, and tingling/numbness in the limbs. However, it is not a first-line treatment for these conditions in many countries.

4. Important Considerations

• Side Effects: Common side effects are related to its sedative and antihistaminic properties and can include:

• Drowsiness (the most common side effect)

  Dry mouth

  Headache

  Gastrointestinal upset

  Weight gain and increased appetite (with long-term use)

• Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): With long-term, high-dose use (especially in the elderly), Cinnarizine can cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, muscle rigidity, and slow movement. This is a serious but relatively rare side effect.

  Contraindications: It is contraindicated in people with known hypersensitivity to Cinnarizine and should be used with caution in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Key Distinction: Stugeron vs. Other Similar Drugs

• Stugeron (Cinnarizine) vs. Stugeron Forte (Cinnarizine + Dimenhydrinate): There is a stronger version called "Stugeron Forte" which combines Cinnarizine with another antihistamine, Dimenhydrinate, for enhanced anti-vertigo and anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) effects.

  Vs. Betahistine (e.g., Serc): Betahistine is another common drug for vertigo (especially Ménière's), but it works through a completely different mechanism (believed to improve blood flow in the inner ear and reduce endolymphatic pressure).

In conclusion, Stugeron is a well-established brand for Cinnarizine, a drug that combines calcium channel blocking and antihistaminic properties to effectively manage symptoms of vertigo and motion sickness. Its action on the vestibular system and brain makes it a cornerstone treatment for these specific conditions.