✅ Prescription / Indication:
Flunarizine 5 mg is a prescription medicine primarily used for:
- Migraine prophylaxis (prevention of migraine attacks)
- Peripheral vertigo and vestibular disorders
- Cerebral circulatory disorders (off-label)
- Epilepsy adjunct therapy (rare cases)
- Secondary parkinsonism or vascular dementia (off-label in some countries)
📄 Description:
- Generic Name: Flunarizine dihydrochloride
- Strength: 5 mg
- Form: Oral tablet
- Class: Calcium channel blocker (selective calcium antagonist)
Mechanism of Action:
Flunarizine blocks calcium influx into cells, especially in the brain and inner ear.
This reduces neuronal excitability and vasoconstriction, helping prevent migraines and control vertigo.
🌟 Advantages / Benefits:
- Reduces frequency and severity of migraine attacks
- Beneficial in chronic vertigo and motion sickness
- Well-tolerated in most patients at low doses
- Less cardiovascular effect than other calcium channel blockers
- May help improve sleep and mood in migraine-prone individuals
🔬 Nature / Pharmacology:
- Onset of action: Within days to weeks
- Half-life: ~18–19 days (very long; builds up over time)
- Metabolism: Hepatic (liver)
- Excretion: Feces and urine
- Lipophilic – crosses the blood-brain barrier
📦 Common Packaging:
- Blister packs of 10 or 15 tablets per strip
- Boxes usually contain 30–60 tablets
- Tablets are often round, white/off-white and may be scored
🧊 Storage Conditions:
- Store below 25°C (77°F)
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not use beyond the expiry date on the label
👨⚕️ Patient Advice / Dosage Guidance:
✅ How to Take:
- Usually one 5 mg tablet per day, taken at night
- May be increased to 10 mg in adults (if needed), but always under doctor supervision
- Take with or without food
- Do not stop suddenly if used long-term—taper if advised
⛔ Avoid:
- Alcohol (can increase drowsiness)
- Driving or operating machinery (especially early in treatment due to sedation)
- Self-medicating in elderly or patients with depression/Parkinson’s