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NERVOUS SYSTEM › OTHER NERVOUS SYSTEM DRUGS › ANTIVERTIGO PREPARATIONS › Antivertigo preparations
flunarizine
N07CA03
Forms & Strengths
- Oral capsules: 5 mg
- Oral tablets: 10 mg
Adult Dosing
- Migraine prophylaxis: 10 mg orally once daily at bedtime
- Maintenance therapy: After 2 months or upon clinical improvement, may reduce dosing to 5 days on and 2 days off per week
Pediatric Dosing
- Migraine prophylaxis (Children >=12 years): 5 mg to 10 mg orally once daily at bedtime
- Safety and efficacy in children <12 years are not well established
Indications
- Prophylaxis of classic (with aura) or common (without aura) migraine
- Treatment of peripheral vascular disease
- Treatment of vertigo of central or peripheral origin
Mechanism of Action
- Selective calcium channel blocker
- Prevents cellular overload of calcium by reducing excessive transmembrane influx
- Exhibits calmodulin-binding and histamine H1 blocking properties
- Improves cerebral microcirculation and protects against hypoxia-induced cellular damage
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to flunarizine
- History of depressive illness or pre-existing symptoms of Parkinson's disease or other extrapyramidal disorders
- Acute phase of stroke
Adverse Reactions
- Weight gain and increased appetite
- Somnolence and fatigue
- Depression, particularly in elderly patients with a history of depressive illness
- Extrapyramidal symptoms including akathisia, bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor with long-term use
- Insomnia, anxiety, and dry mouth
Drug Interactions
- Strong CNS depressants (alcohol, hypnotics, tranquilizers): May cause additive sedation or somnolence
- CYP3A4 inhibitors: Potential to alter the metabolism and plasma concentrations of flunarizine
- Antihypertensive agents: May enhance blood pressure-lowering effects
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use