Flunarizine is a medication to prevent migraine attacks. This drug is also used in the treatment and prevention of vertigo and disorders of the vestibular, which is the part of the ear that regulates body balance.
This drug works by blocking the entry of calcium into cells and inhibiting histamine activity. This method of work is considered effective for preventing migraines and vertigo. Please note that this drug is not effective for relieving pain when a migraine attack is occurring.
Flunarizine trademark: Bartholium, Cevadil, Cymalium, Degrium, Dizine, Dizilium, Flunagen, Flunarizine HCL, Funar, Frego, Gratigo, Gratizin, Unalium, Seremig, Siberid, Sibelium, Silum, Sinral, Vertilon, Xepalium
What's that Flunarizine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Anti-Migraine Drugs |
| Benefit | Prevent migraine, vertigo, and disorders of the vestibular system |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Flunarizine for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not categorized. It is not known whether flunarizine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warning Before Taking Flunarizine
Flunarizine should not be taken carelessly. Here are some things you should pay attention to before taking flunarizine:
- Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to flunarizine. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Do not use flunarizine if you have or are currently suffering from depression, Parkinson's disease, or extrapyramidal syndrome.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with flunarizine, as they can increase the effect of drowsiness.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking flunarizine, as this medicine may cause drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking flunarizine.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Flunarizine
The following are general doses of flunarizine to prevent migraine, vertigo, and vestibular disorders based on the patient's age:
- Mature: 10 mg per day taken at night.
- Elderly over 65 years old: 5 mg per day taken at night.
How to Take Flunarizine Correctly
Always follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking flunarizine.
Flunarizine can be taken before or after meals. It is recommended to take flunarizine at night. Try to take the medicine at the same time every day.
If you forget to take flunarizine, take it immediately if the interval between the next consumption is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Take flunarizine regularly. Keep taking the medicine even if you feel better. Do not increase or decrease your dose, or start or stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor first.
Store flunarizine at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep flunarizine out of reach of children.
Flunarizine Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of flunarizine with other drugs can cause several interactions, including:
- Enhanced drowsiness effect of sedatives
- Decreased blood levels of phenytoin or carbamazepine
Side Effects and Dangers of Flunarizine
There are several side effects that can occur after taking flunarizine, including:
- Drowsiness
- Nauseous
- Heartburn
- Weight gain
- Nervous
- dry mouth
Consult a doctor if these side effects do not improve or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Muscle ache
- Difficulty moving
- Tremor
- Involuntary repetitive movements of the face or mouth
- Depression