Usually, going to a medical consultation is related to the feeling of instability or vertigo. This is nothing more than a subjective annoyance that cannot be measured but is associated with a rotational movement that makes it difficult to walk, maintain balance or even interact with the environment. When talking about vertigo, we speak of an alteration of the credit that can last a short time or even days, depending on the cause or factors associated with the manifestation of this symptom. Nowadays, some medicines allow to improve this annoying sensation, that is why in the following FastlyHealarticle, we will talk about the medication to treat vertigo.
Table of Contents
Medications for vertigo
Dimenhydrinate
One of the most common medications to treat vertigo is dimenhydrinate; this is an antihistamine, anticholinergic, antiemetic, and antivertiginous drug that is available to be administered orally parenterally.
Dimenhydrinate acts centrally as an antivertiginous, decreasing vestibular stimulation and labyrinthine function. After administration, the effect begins to be evident between the next 15 and 60 minutes and can be maintained for approximately 6 hours.
The best-known brand name for dimenhydrinate is Dramamine, and the available forms of this medicine to treat vertigo are 50 mg tablets, 100 mg, and 15 mg/ml solution. The recommended doses of dimenhydrinate are:
- In adults: the recommended dose is 50 mg – 100 mg every 6 hours, the maximum amount is 400 mg a day.
- In older children: the dose in children aged 6 to 12 years is 25 to 50 mg every 8 hours. The maximum quantity in this age range is 150 mg per day.
- In young children: finally, in children between 2 and 5 years old, the doses should be indicated by the specialist doctor.
Dimenhydrinate can cause specific adverse effects such as:
- Drowsiness.
- Lethargy.
- Fatigue.
- Blurry vision.
- Headache.
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Dry mouth
- Rarely delirium.
Finally, it is not recommended to administer dimenhydrinate in conjunction with alcohol or other sedatives or anxiolytics.
Cinarizina
Another medicine used for balance disorders such as vertigo or dizziness is cinnarizine. This is available in 25 and 75 mg tablets. Cinnarizine acts pharmacologically as a sedative antihistamine that blocks calcium channels and as an inhibitor of stimulation of the vestibular system.
The usual dose to administer cinnarizine is a 25 mg tablet every 8 hours or 75 mg once a day. This allows for to treatment of balance disorders such as dizziness and vertigo, and the recommendation is to administer it preferably after each meal.
The administration of cinnarizine can cause some adverse effects such as:
- Sickness.
- Threw up.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Abdominal pain.
- Drowsiness.
Lastly, this drug is contraindicated in patients who have previously shown an allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. It is also contraindicated in patients who have Parkinson’s disease or depression.
Medications for dizziness and vertigo
Betahistine
This drug is related to histamine and is responsible for stimulating precapillary microcirculation. It can be easily administered orally and has much longer effects to treat vertiginous disorders of circulatory origin, associated with Ménière’s syndrome, a condition of the inner ear that can cause severe dizziness.
Betahistine is in 8 mg tablet presentations, and the usual recommended dose is one tablet three times a day concerning the patient’s response after administration of the drug. The maximum daily amount is 48 mg.
The contraindications of betahistine are in patients suffering from pheochromocytoma or gastric ulcer. In addition, it should be administered with caution in patients who have bronchial asthma.
To avoid adverse reactions, it is advisable to administer the drug together with meals. Otherwise, some gastric discomfort may occur, such as:
- Sickness.
- Threw up.
- Diarrhea.
Thietylperazine
This type of medication allows, in addition to reducing the effects of vertigo, blocking nausea and vomiting by acting directly on the central nervous system. This drug comes in 6.5 mg tablets and 6.5 mg suppositories.
The recommended dose in adults is one tablet or a suppository every 8 or 12 hours. In children, the amount must be administered by a specialist doctor.
The common side effects are drowsiness, and dry mouth can rarely cause extrapyramidal symptoms such as muscle spasms and difficulty swallowing.
Natural remedies for vertigo
Vertigo can be calmed with the application of specific home remedies. However, you should always consult a doctor to tell you if it is an indicated treatment. Although this does not represent a serious problem by itself, it does imply that it is a symptom of a disease that the doctor must study. Some of the natural remedies for vertigo are:
- Ginger tea: Ginger is an excellent remedy for vertigo. Prepare a simple infusion with the ginger root. The recommendation is to make it with a tablespoon of this root for each cup of boiled water and take it immediately after it rests.
- Melissa: for vertigo, it is also recommended to use an infusion prepared with lemon balm. A tablespoon of its dried leaves in a cup of boiling water will improve this annoying sensation.
- Sesame oil: a relaxing massage applied directly to the head with previously warm sesame oil improves the sensation of vertigo, also stimulates cerebral blood circulation.
- Alcohol cloth: an effective way to stabilize the body of vertigo is to place a fabric impregnated with alcohol on the forehead and leave it there for a few minutes.
- Celery juice: when you are experiencing dizziness or vertigo, it is recommended to blend celery in the blender and extract its juice. This will immediately relieve the feeling.
Recommendations to treat vertigo
Finally, to improve this annoying and uncomfortable feeling, it is essential to follow some of the following recommendations :
- Avoid caffeine and substances like nicotine and alcohol.
- Avoid jerky movements and poor head and neck posture.
- Maintain an optimal cleaning of the ears. Remember that they are part of the body balance.
- Improve stress and anxiety by practicing relaxation exercises.
- Open the windows and keep the room well lit to reduce the nagging feeling of vertigo.
In a study concerning dizziness or vertigo as a reason for consultation in the neurological polyclinic, the Uruguayan Medical Journal studied 64 patients, 84% female and 16% male. Where 78% of the patients had consulted before for vertigo or dizziness, 72% had true vertigo where the symptoms lasted for more than 1 year, concluding that dizziness and vertigo are a frequent reason for consultation, usually repeatedly. 1
Vertigo can be an uncomfortable discomfort, but with certain medications, it can be effectively calmed. However, if this condition usually recurs for an extended time, it is crucial to see a doctor for the necessary tests depending on the situation. Disease or condition that is causing the vertigo symptom.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Medications to treat vertigo, we recommend that you enter our Ear, Nose, and Throat category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.