Flunarizine
Other CNS Drugs · Selective calcium antagonist
Indications
Prophylaxis of classic (with aura) or common (without aura) migraine. Symptomatic treatment of vestibular vertigo (due to a diagnosed functional disorder of the vestibular system).
Dosage
Adults: Below 65 yr: Initially 2 cap/tab at night. Above 65 yr: Initially 1 cap/tab at night. If response satisfactory, the dose should be decreased to 5 days treatment at same daily dose with two successive medicine free days every wk. The treatment should be interrupted after 6 mth and should be re-initiated only if the patient relapse. If the response is not satisfactory within 2 mth, discontinue treatment. Children: Not recommended.
Adverse Effects
Somnolence, weight gain, increased appetite, fatigue usually transient. Depression or extra-pyramidal reaction rarely only whom such a condition is latent. Heartburn, nausea, gastralgia, insomnia, anxiety, galactorrhoea, dry mouth, muscle ache, skin rash.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Contraindications: History of Parkinsonism, depression. Precautions: Not suited for aborting a migraine attack. Treatment may give rise to extra-pyramidal and depressive symptoms. Fatigue may increase progressively, discontinue if occurs.
Interactions
Oral contraceptives, hepatic enzyme inducers such as carbamazepine, phenytoin.
Advice to Patient
Take with or without meals.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Well absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 18 days. Time to peak, plasma: 2-4 hrs. Excretion: Urine and faeces (small amounts).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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