🍽️ flunarizine dihydrochloride,(prescription)

Migraine Prophylaxis: Flunarizine is effective in reducing the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks. It is commonly prescribed for individuals with recurrent migraines to prevent the onset of headaches and associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Vestibular Disorders: Flunarizine is also used to manage various vestibular disorders, including vertigo and Meniere's disease. It helps alleviate symptoms such as dizziness, spinning sensation (vertigo), imbalance, and nausea by stabilizing the inner ear and reducing abnormal sensory input to the brain.

Calcium Channel Blocker: Flunarizine acts as a calcium channel blocker, primarily targeting calcium channels in neuronal membranes. By inhibiting calcium influx into cells, particularly in cerebral and vascular tissues, flunarizine exerts its therapeutic effects, including vasodilation and suppression of neuronal excitability.

Preventive Therapy: Flunarizine is typically used as a preventive therapy rather than an acute treatment for migraine attacks. It is taken on a regular basis, often as a long-term prophylactic measure, to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine episodes over time.

Dosage and Administration: Flunarizine is available in oral tablet form and is usually taken once daily. The dosage may vary depending on the individual's age, medical condition, and response to treatment. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions provided by a healthcare professional.

Side Effects: Common side effects of flunarizine may include drowsiness, fatigue, weight gain, increased appetite, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and abdominal discomfort. These side effects are usually mild and transient but may necessitate dose adjustment or discontinuation of the medication in some cases.

Central Nervous System Effects: Flunarizine may cause central nervous system (CNS) side effects, including sedation, depression, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremors and dystonia. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring mental alertness until they know how the medication affects them.

Cardiovascular Effects: Flunarizine may rarely cause cardiovascular side effects, including changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters. It should be used with caution in individuals with preexisting cardiovascular conditions, and cardiac function should be monitored periodically during treatment.

Contraindications: Flunarizine is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug or its components. It should be avoided in patients with severe depression, Parkinson's disease, or a history of movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia.

Drug Interactions: Flunarizine may interact with other medications, including central nervous system depressants, antihypertensive drugs, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), leading to additive CNS effects or changes in blood pressure. It is important to inform healthcare providers about all medications being taken to avoid potential interactions.