To give you a direct, technical answer: No, Cinnarizine is not classified as a sleeping pill. It is officially categorized as an antihistamine and a calcium channel antagonist.

However, as a pharmacist, I can tell you that the confusion is common because drowsiness is its most frequent side effect. In the pharmaceutical trade, we often refer to it as a “sedating antihistamine.”

Primary Clinical Uses

Cinnarizine is primarily manufactured and exported for:

• Motion Sickness: Prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting during travel.

• Vestibular Disorders: Managing balance issues like Vertigo, Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and Ménière’s disease.

• Cerebral & Peripheral Circulatory Disorders: Improving blood flow in conditions like Raynaud’s disease or memory/concentration issues in the elderly.

Mechanism of Action: Why it makes you sleepy

Cinnarizine works through a dual pathway:

L-type Calcium Channel Blockade: It inhibits the influx of calcium ions into arterial smooth muscle cells, causing vasodilation and improving microcirculation in the inner ear.

H1-Receptor Antagonism: It blocks histamine receptors. Unlike “non-drowsy” antihistamines (like Cetirizine), Cinnarizine easily crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier. Once in the brain, it suppresses the vestibular system (which controls balance) but also interferes with the wakefulness-promoting effects of histamine in the central nervous system, leading to sedation.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Export & Formulation

If you are looking to include this in your trading portfolio or promote it on your digital platforms, here are the technical highlights:

• Standard Strengths: Typically manufactured as 25 mg (for motion sickness) and 75 mg (for vestibular/circulatory issues).

• Stability: Cinnarizine is highly stable but sensitive to light. We utilize PVC/PVDC or Alu-Alu blister packaging to ensure a 36-month shelf life for export to hot Zone IVb climates.

• Market Position: It is a high-demand item in B2B marketplaces for “Travel Health” and “Geriatric Care” segments.

• Regulatory Status: It is widely available in Europe, India, and Southeast Asia, though it is not FDA-approved in the USA, which is a key detail for your exporting strategy.