Stugeron (cinnarizine) relieves dizziness and nausea linked to travel sickness and some inner ear disorders such as Ménière's disease. It works best when taken as a preventive dose before the journey, not after symptoms begin [1]. It causes drowsiness and is not suitable for people with Parkinson's disease or for long-term use in older adults. Any recurrent or sudden dizziness with weakness or slurred speech requires urgent medical assessment.
What is Stugeron and why is it prescribed?
Stugeron is the brand name for cinnarizine. It comes as tablets listed in the drug directory on ClinicsJo at a strength of 25 mg. It is used to relieve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and the sensation that the body or the surroundings are spinning [1].
Its uses include motion sickness and travel sickness, peripheral vestibular vertigo (from the inner ear), symptoms of Ménière's disease, and associated tinnitus. Its older use for cold extremities is a historical use and is no longer the main indication.
Dizziness and vertigo are not the same thing
Dizziness is a feeling of light-headedness or unsteadiness on your feet. Vertigo is a sensation that you or the room are spinning, even though nothing is actually moving [3]. This distinction matters because the causes and treatments of the two differ. You can read more about dizziness symptoms and causes.
When does Stugeron actually help?
The drug helps in specific situations, and it works best when used preventively rather than as a treatment after symptoms appear. The British patient information leaflet for cinnarizine states that it is used for travel sickness, sea sickness, and Ménière's disease, a condition that affects balance and hearing [1].
| Condition | Role of the drug | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Travel and sea sickness | Preventive, taken before the trip | Take the tablet before setting off, not after nausea starts [1] |
| Ménière's disease | Relieves vertigo and nausea | The duration is determined by the doctor based on the case [1] |
| Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) | The doctor decides whether it is needed | Triggered by certain head movements; treatment follows the cause and may include exercises [2] |
| Standing dizziness or dehydration | Not the primary solution | Sudden drops in blood pressure and dehydration are common causes of dizziness [3] |
Tips to improve prevention during travel
- Choose a seat in the middle of the ship or over the wing of the aircraft.
- Look at the horizon and avoid focusing on screens or reading.
- Do not wait for nausea to appear before taking the tablet.
If dizziness recurs without travel, it deserves an examination of the ears and nerves rather than a monthly supply of medication. Vertigo often improves on its own, but recurring episodes or an effect on your daily life are a reason to see a doctor [2].
How is Stugeron taken safely?
It is taken as a tablet swallowed whole, preferably after food to reduce indigestion [1]. The dose and duration vary depending on the reason for use. The usual dose is the one set by your doctor or pharmacist and printed on the pack or leaflet.
Warning: The British leaflet lists tablets at 15 mg, while the strength registered in our directory is 25 mg. Therefore, do not transfer any figures from a foreign source to your pack, and follow the guidance of your pharmacist or doctor.
Practical points
- Before the trip: The British leaflet notes that the first dose is taken about two hours before travel [1].
- A missed dose in travel sickness: Another dose may be taken if at least 8 hours have passed since the last one [1].
- A missed dose in Ménière's disease: Skip the missed dose and take the next one at its scheduled time [1].
- Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one [1].
- Children: The dose depends on weight and must be prescribed by a doctor or guided by a pharmacist.
- Overdose: It can be dangerous. Contact a pharmacist immediately, and if you are told to go to the emergency department, take the pack and any other medicines with you, and do not drive yourself [1].
Do not use a medicine prescribed for another person. Read why in our answer about using a prescription medicine prescribed for another family member. Likewise, do not make Stugeron a daily habit without a diagnosis.
What are the side effects of Stugeron?
Its most common side effects are marked drowsiness, heartburn, bloating, nausea, and weight gain [1]. Our directory data also adds mental fatigue and dry mouth, and weight gain increases with long-term use.
If you feel drowsy, do not drive a car or motorcycle and do not operate machinery until the drowsiness passes [1]. If the symptoms bother you or persist, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Rare but serious effects
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): swelling of the throat or tongue, raised itchy skin rash, difficulty breathing [1].
- Liver problems: itching, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes [1].
- Slow or jerky movements, muscle stiffness, tremor, which are more likely in older adults after prolonged use [1].
- A raised red rash, sometimes ring-shaped, especially in areas exposed to sunlight [1].
If you think you are having a severe allergic reaction, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. You can find general information on the drug allergy page.
Who should be cautious with Stugeron or avoid it?
The drug is not suitable for everyone. The leaflet states that it may not suit people with liver or kidney problems, prostate problems or difficulty passing urine, glaucoma, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, porphyria, or those who have previously had an allergic reaction to it [1].
- Parkinson's disease: According to our directory, it explicitly worsens the condition, so it is contraindicated.
- Older adults: Long-term use after the age of sixty is a concern, as it may cause symptoms similar to Parkinson's (tremor, slowness, and stiffness) and possibly depression. These effects are often reversible but may take months to resolve after stopping. Consult a doctor before any regular use, as a more suitable alternative may be available.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is not usually recommended, so ask your doctor or pharmacist about an alternative [1].
Drug interactions
It is best to avoid alcohol, as it increases drowsiness [1]. The drug may not be compatible with some strong painkillers such as tramadol, migraine and nerve pain medicines such as amitriptyline, sleeping pills such as zopiclone, and anxiety medicines such as diazepam [1].
It can also invalidate skin allergy test results, so it should be stopped four days before testing. Tell your doctor about everything you take, and understand the difference between an interaction and a side effect in this answer. Be aware that some cough and cold medicines may be taken together with it unintentionally, so ask your pharmacist before combining them.
What are the alternatives to Stugeron for dizziness and vertigo?
Alternatives depend on the cause. Most people with vertigo improve without treatment, some may need exercises to correct balance, and antihistamines may sometimes help relieve symptoms [2]. MedlinePlus notes that treatment depends on the cause and may include balance exercises and medications [3].
Home measures to ease an episode
- Lie still in a quiet, dark room to reduce the sensation of spinning [2].
- Move your head slowly, and sit down immediately when you feel dizzy [2].
- Get out of bed slowly, and sit on the edge for a moment before standing [2].
- Sleep with your head slightly raised on two or more pillows [2].
- Avoid bending down to pick things up (squat down instead), and do not stretch your neck upward [2].
- Try to relax, as anxiety can worsen vertigo [2].
Treating the cause
The most common causes are inner ear problems, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, and Ménière's disease. The cause may also be migraine or a medicine you are taking [2]. Read about benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and about vestibular vertigo in our guide to causes and treatment.
If the dizziness occurs only on standing, look into postural hypotension and our answer about dizziness caused by low blood pressure. Treatment here is completely different from the treatment of vestibular vertigo.
When should you go to the emergency room for dizziness?
Most dizziness is simple, but some cases are a sign of a serious condition such as a stroke. Do not treat these symptoms with a tablet and then wait.
| Level | Signs accompanying dizziness | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | Double vision or loss of vision, hearing loss, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg [2] | Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department |
| Emergency | Sudden or severe dizziness or vertigo with visual problems, slurred speech, or weakness [3] | Seek emergency help immediately |
| Urgent (same day) | Severe headache, severe vomiting or nausea, very high fever, or shivering [2] | See a doctor urgently |
| Non-urgent | Dizziness that does not go away, recurs, or affects your daily life [2] | Book an appointment with a doctor |
Do not drive yourself to the emergency department. Ask someone to take you or call an ambulance, and bring your medicines with you [2]. A doctor may order imaging if a stroke is suspected or after a head injury [3]. If you have episodes of fainting, read about recurrent fainting.
How do you find the right doctor for dizziness and vertigo in Jordan?
If dizziness recurs, start with a family physician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, and you may be referred to a neurologist if necessary. On ClinicsJo you can search by specialty and governorate, browse profiles, and contact or book where the profile allows. We are a directory and do not provide medical consultations or prescriptions, and we do not rate doctors by their medical quality.
What to check in a profile
- The specialty (ENT, neurology, family medicine) and the stated areas of interest.
- The governorate, clinic address, and ease of access.
- The available contact or booking methods and working hours.
What happens during the visit and what to ask
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medications, and may examine your hearing, balance, and gait [3]. They may perform a simple test by quickly moving from sitting to lying down to check your balance, and may refer you to a specialist [2].
- What is the likely cause of my dizziness? Do I need any tests?
- Is Stugeron suitable for my age and my other medications? And for how long?
- Are there exercises or non-drug alternatives that suit my condition?
- What signs should prompt me to see you immediately?
Bring a list of all your medicines, and confirm with the pharmacist which medicines are licensed, as the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) regulates medicines and their prices in Jordan.
Frequently asked questions
Does Stugeron cure dizziness?
Stugeron relieves vertigo and nausea in travel sickness and some inner ear disorders such as Ménière's disease. However, it does not treat every type of dizziness. Standing dizziness, for example, may be caused by dehydration or low blood pressure. It is therefore better to find the cause first with a doctor rather than relying on the medicine alone.
When should I take Stugeron for travel sickness?
It is best taken before setting off, not after nausea begins, as it works best as a preventive rather than a treatment. The British leaflet notes that the first dose is taken about two hours before travel. The appropriate dose for your pack is determined by your pharmacist or doctor, and you should not double it.
Does Stugeron cause drowsiness? Can I drive?
Yes, drowsiness is one of its most common side effects. If you feel drowsy, do not drive a car or motorcycle or operate machinery until it has completely passed. Avoid alcohol and sedatives while taking it, as they increase drowsiness, and it may be best not to drive on your trip if you have taken it.
Is Stugeron suitable for older adults?
Some people use it only occasionally. Long-term use after the age of sixty requires a doctor's consultation, as it may cause tremor, slowness, stiffness of movement, and possibly depression. It is contraindicated for anyone with Parkinson's disease. Your doctor may suggest a more suitable alternative based on your condition and medications.
Can Stugeron be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, do not take it before asking your doctor or pharmacist, as they may suggest a suitable alternative or non-drug measures to relieve nausea and dizziness. Always tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding when any medicine is prescribed.
When is dizziness a warning sign that requires emergency care?
Go immediately to the nearest emergency department or call 911 if dizziness is accompanied by double vision or loss of vision, hearing loss, difficulty speaking, or weakness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg, as these may be signs of a stroke. Do not wait for a medicine to work, and do not drive yourself.
Sources and references
- Cinnarizine: medicine for travel sickness and vertigo — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Vertigo — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Dizziness | Vertigo — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.