Flunarizine Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Flunarizine Tablet is a calcium channel blocker that has been used for over 25 years. It was first introduced to improve blood flow and is mainly used to prevent migraine and to treat dizziness and vertigo. It is usually taken once daily at night, and benefits may take several weeks to appear.

What is Flunarizine Tablet

Flunarizine is a calcium channel blocker medicine that has been used for over 25 years. It was first introduced to improve blood flow and is mainly used to prevent migraine and to treat dizziness and vertigo.

Flunarizine Tablet uses

• Prevention of migraine attacks, including migraine with aura or one-sided weakness
• Treatment and prevention of vertigo (spinning feeling) caused by problems in the balance system
• Used as an add-on treatment for epilepsy
• Used for occlusive peripheral vascular disease

Benefits of Flunarizine Tablet

• Reduces how often migraine attacks happen
• Works especially well for migraine with severe neurological symptoms combined with dizziness or vertigo
• Studies suggest it works about as well as propranolol and topiramate for reducing migraines in adults

How Flunarizine Tablet works

Flunarizine blocks calcium from entering blood vessel walls, which relaxes and widens blood vessels, including those in the brain. This dilation improves blood flow and helps prevent migraine attacks.

Flunarizine Tablet dosage

Flunarizine is usually taken at night-time, starting with a low dose that may be increased later as advised by the doctor. It can be taken with or without food. It may take several weeks before you notice the full effect, so continue taking it even if you don't see an improvement right away.

If a dose is missed and it's only been a few hours, take it as soon as remembered; otherwise skip it and take the next dose as scheduled — never take a double dose. This medicine should not be stopped suddenly without talking to a doctor, since this may cause side effects.

It is not recommended for children under 12 years old; in children 12 and older it should only be used under close medical supervision. Elderly people should start at the lowest possible dose because of a higher risk of side effects.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Capsule

Side effects of Flunarizine Tablet

Common

• Tiredness and drowsiness
• Weight gain and increased appetite
• Low mood
• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort
• Insomnia or excessive sleep
• Dry mouth
• Muscle weakness and aches
• Skin rash
• Blocked or runny nose
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Excessive sweating
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears
• Swelling of face, lips, eyelids, tongue, hands and feet

Serious

• Depression or worsening mood
• Symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movement (extrapyramidal symptoms)
• Severe allergic reaction with rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Signs of overdose such as severe drowsiness, weakness, agitation, confusion, or fast heartbeat

Warnings and precautions

• People with an allergy to flunarizine or its ingredients, depression or a history of serious depression, Parkinson's disease or a family history of it, or liver damage should discuss the risks with their doctor before taking this medicine. 
• Flunarizine is not recommended if you have depression or other nervous system disorders, as it may make the condition worse. It should be used with caution in people with heart problems, as it may lead to heart failure. Avoid flunarizine if you have porphyria, a genetic blood and skin disorder, because of a higher risk of severe side effects. Use with extra caution if you have a urinary tract blockage, since it may cause kidney failure.
• The following medicines are known to interact with flunarizine: sedatives, anti-anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, tranquilisers, and anti-seizure medicines. 
• Flunarizine may also interact with certain other medicines including amlodipine, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and ethinyl estradiol.
• It is not known if flunarizine is safe during pregnancy, so it should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks. 
• Talk to your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It isn't known whether flunarizine passes into breast milk, so caution is advised; talk to your doctor about whether to use the medicine or stop breastfeeding.
• Flunarizine is broken down mainly by the liver, so people with liver problems need dose adjustments and should use it with caution.
•  Avoid or limit alcohol while taking flunarizine, as it can increase dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and breathing problems. Flunarizine can cause dizziness and drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Keep medicines in a safe place where children cannot reach them.
• The tablets should be kept in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and heat.
• Do not flush them down the toilet or throw them away.
• After using this medication, do not dispose of it in wastewater (e.g., sink or toilet) or in household trash. You can ask a pharmacist how to dispose of the medication when it expires or is no longer needed.

When to see a doctor

• If your child develops low mood or depression symptoms, stop the medicine and see your doctor; further treatment may be needed if symptoms don't go away within a month.
• Seek medical attention right away if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• If you notice involuntary movements, muscle stiffness, or slowness of movement similar to Parkinson's disease, get medical advice immediately.
• If you suspect an overdose or experience severe side effects, go to the nearest hospital or healthcare facility for further care.

Alternatives

• Betahistine
• Propranolol
• Magnesium Supplements