Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Cinnarizine, IUPAC name 1-(3-Phenyl-3-piperidinyl)pyrrolidin-2-one, is a piperidine derivative with molecular formula C18H21NO2 (molecular weight 283.34 g/mol). Structurally, it features a fused piperidine-pyrrolidinone ring system substituted with a phenyl group. Therapeutically, it treats vertigo and motion sickness by antagonizing histamine H1 receptors and calcium channels in the vestibular system. Its lipophilic nature (logP ~2.5) facilitates blood-brain barrier penetration. Mechanism involves calcium influx inhibition in inner ear and CNS, reducing vestibular hyperactivity. Poor water solubility and high plasma protein binding (>95%) characterize its physicochemical profile, supporting prolonged therapeutic effects.