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Overview

Flunarizine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Flunarizine

Flunarizine is a drug that is used to prevent migraine attacks. It is used to lower the frequency of the attacks and in some instances the severity. However, it should be noted that Flunarizine should not be used for the treatment of an already occurring acute migraine attack.

Flunarizine is grouped under a category of non-selective drugs called calcium antagonist. Sibelium is one of the trade names for Flunarizine amongst many others.

The common side effects of Flunarizine are drowsiness, weight gain, nausea, heartburn, anxiety and depression (as seen in adults). Should these effects persist for longer durations inform your physician. Also inform your doctor if you are troubled by skin rash, muscle aches, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing and tremor.

In case of a recent stroke, heart failure and hypotension, this drug maybe contraindicated. As a preventive measure before taking this drug, it is advised that you notify your doctor if you have or are:

  • Allergic to flunarizine or any other medications.
  • Someone with a history of depression.
  • A history of movements disorder.
  • A history of extrapyramidal symptoms.
  • Recently had liver problems.
  • Pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding a baby.

Flunarizine is a tablet that is taken through the mouth. If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible. However, if it already time for your next dose, do not club doses but skip the previous one. Ensure to keep these tablets in a cool and dry place (between 15 to 30 degrees C) and out of the reach of children.

If you happen to overdose contact your doctor right away. You may experience drowsiness if Flunarizine interacts with alcohol. Other cases of interactions that may pose a health hazard are unknown but it is recommended that you notify your doctor if you smoke or drink caffeine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Flunarizine

    • Prevention Of Migraine Attacks

      This medicine is used to prevent migraine headaches with or without aura. It should not be used to treat a headache that has already set in.

    • Prevention Of Vertigo

      This medicine is used for the prevention of vertigo and other conditions of the inner ears and the brain (vestibular disorders).

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Flunarizine ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Flunarizine ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Flunarizine

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The time duration for which this medicine remains effective is subject to vary based on the intended use and form of administration.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect of this medicine is cumulative and may take weeks to show.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks associated with the use of this medicine.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use by a breastfeeding woman unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks associated with the use of this medicine. It is advised to discontinue breastfeeding while the medicine is being taken.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      It is unsafe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      It is unknown whether this medicine affects the alertness of the patient or not. If patients feels any side effects affecting the same, then driving must be avoided.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      This medicine is probably found to be safe to be used in patients with kidney disease. Availability of limited data suggests that adjustment of dose is not needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      Caution must be taken before using this medicine in patients with liver disease. Adjustment of dose is required. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose then the missed dose can be skipped.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose with this medicine is suspected. Symptoms of an overdose may include drowsiness, tiredness, increased heart rate, mild agitation etc.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Flunarizine approved?

    • India

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Flunarizine

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Flunarizine as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication works by blocking the influx of calcium inside the cells. It also blocks certain other specific neurotransmitters and caused relaxation of blood vessels.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Flunarizine ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Avoid or limit the uptake of alcohol while using this medicine. It is advised to refrain from driving a vehicle or operating a heavy machinery while taking this medicine.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Amlodipine

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent monitoring of blood pressure while using these medicines together.

        Carbamazepine

        Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring to safely use these medicines together. Do not stop the use of any medicine without consulting with your doctor.

        Phenytoin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring while using these medicines together.

        Phenytoin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring while using these medicines together.

        Ethinyl Estradiol

        Report the use of any oral hormonal contraceptive medicine to the doctor. It is recommended to use alternate means of contraception while using this medicine. Consult your doctor and discuss the risks before using this medicine.

        Diazepam

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. The risks of adverse effects are significantly high while using them together. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring to safely use them together.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Gastrointestinal Blockage

        This medicine is not recommended for use in patients having a partial/total bowel obstruction. The risk of adverse effects are significantly high and hence your doctor may suggest a suitable alternative.

        Urinary Tract Obstruction

        This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a partial/total obstruction of the urinary tract. The risk of adverse effects are significantly high and hence your doctor may suggest a suitable alternative.

        Porphyria

        This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a genetic disorder of the blood and skin (Porphyria). The risk of adverse effects are significantly high and hence your doctor may suggest a suitable alternative.

        Depression

        This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from depressive disorders or acute episodes of depression.
      • Interaction with Food

        Information not available.

      FAQs about Flunarizine

      • Ques : What is Flunarizine?

        Ans : Flunarizine is a salt which performs its action by preventing loss of tone and dilation of blood vessels, thus preventing the migraine headache. Flunarizine is used to treat conditions such as Prevention of migraine attacks and Prevention of vertigo.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Flunarizine?

        Ans : Flunarizine is a medication, which is used for the treatment and prevention from conditions such as Prevention of migraine attacks and Prevention of vertigo. The patient should inform the doctor about any ongoing medications and treatment before using Flunarizine to avoid undesirable effects.

      • Ques : What are the Side Effects of Flunarizine?

        Ans : Flunarizine is a medication which has some commonly reported side effects. These side effects may or may not occur always and some of them are rare but severe. This is not a complete list and if you experience any of the below-mentioned side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Here are some side effects of Flunarizine which are as follows: Tingling or numbness of the hands and feet, Ringing or buzzing in the ears, Depression, Excessive/No sleep, Twitching and unusual movement of muscles, Swelling of face, lips, eyelids, tongue, hands and feet , Weight gain, Increased appetite, Blocked or runny nose, Irregular menstrual periods, Unusual tiredness and weakness, Excessive sweating, Change in libido, Allergic Skin Reaction, and Elevated Liver Enzymes. It is a list of possible side-effects which may occur due to the constituting ingredients of Flunarizine.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for storage and disposal Flunarizine?

        Ans : Flunarizine should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original pack. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets. The patient should consult a doctor for its further uses and side effects and should inform the doctor about any ongoing medications and treatment before using to avoid undesirable effects. It is a prescribed medication.

      • Ques : Should I use Flunarizine empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication is to be consumed orally. The salts involved in this medication react properly if it is taken at night before going to sleep . If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset your stomach. Please consult the doctor before using Flunarizine.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Flunarizine before I see improvement of my conditions?

        Ans : This medication should be consumed, until the complete eradication of the disease. Thus it is advised to use, till the time directed by your doctor. Also taking Flunarizine longer than it was prescribed, can cause an inadequate effect on the patient's condition. So please consult your doctor.

      • Ques : Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

        Ans : If you are under the usage of this medication, It is recommended to avoid chocolates, cheese and processed food, as it may cause some side effects. However, eating healthy, doing physical exercises and avoiding any kind of harmful practices like smoking or drinking can uplift your health.

      • Ques : Will Flunarizine be more effective if taken in more than the recommended dose?

        Ans : There is no need to take this medication more than its recommended doses. Taking over-dosage of this medication may trigger side effects. If the severity of the condition is not reducing with the recommended dosage of Flunarizine, then the doctor should be consulted for re-examining your condition.

      References

      • Flunarizine- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/chlorpheniramine

      • Flunarizine - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2021 [cited 3 December 2021]. Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB04841

      • Flunarizine- PubChem [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [cited 03 December 2021]. Available from:

        https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/941361

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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