Flunarizine
definition
Flunarizine is a drug that can be used against certain forms of dizziness and to prevent migraines. It mainly inhibits calcium channels and thus influences the excitability of various nerve structures. In addition, it has antiallergic and antiarrhythmic (on the heart) as well as anticonvulsant properties (against seizures). Flunarizine is not suitable for children; the active ingredient must be administered in lower doses in older people.
Indications
The indications of flunarizine are limited to Treatment of vestibular vertigo, dizziness that occurs in the balance organ in the inner ear, as well as on the Prophylaxis of migraine attacks. The dizziness should have been clarified by a specialist beforehand and its cause definitely assigned to the organ of equilibrium. For the prophylaxis of migraine attacks, flunarizine can be used if it is a classic migraine that is very often manifested by severe migraine attacks and other therapeutic agents (e.g. beta blockers) have shown no prophylactic effectiveness. Patients with this form of dizziness or migraine can benefit from the use of flunarizine.
Flunarizine for tinnitus
At Tinnitus it concerns annoying noises in the ear that are subjectively perceived by a patient without a sound source being assigned to the noises. This is often associated with a very high level of suffering for the patient, as the noises in the ears can be very annoying, especially in quiet rooms or when falling asleep.
Accordingly, there are many different ones Therapeutic approaches for a tinnitus, for which, however, in most cases no scientific proof of efficacy could be made. Flunarizine is also used by ENT doctors as a calcium channel blocker for the treatment of tinnitus, although a positive effect has not yet been proven in scientific studies. Since some patients with tinnitus seem to benefit subjectively from therapy with flunarizine, the drug can certainly be used on a trial basis for tinnitus and, if successful, it can continue to be administered therapeutically.
effect
Flunarizine develops its effect mainly through the Blockage of calcium channels. Calcium is an important electrolyte in the body, which flows into the body cells via the calcium channels and can thus trigger signal transmission. Blocking the channels prevents calcium from flowing into the cells and thereby reduces their excitability.
Since the development of vestibular dizziness and migraine attacks is suspected to be due to the calcium flow, flunarizine is successfully used for therapy in these two clinical pictures. Flunarizine also has an antihistaminergic effect Blockade of histamine receptors. Histamine is a signaling substance that plays a role in allergic reactions. Flunarizine also counteracts seizures and prevents cardiac arrhythmias.
Side effects
In addition to the desired effects, flunarizine can also cause various side effects. So it can be different among other things psychiatric side effects come, for example, to depression, drowsiness and tiredness. Also can Disorders in the sequence of movements occur, for example, tremors, increased basic tension in the muscles, involuntary and slowed movements and a lack of movement.
In addition, under therapy with flunarizine, a Weight gain (see also the following section) and heartburn, nausea, stomach pain and dry mouth. Occasionally, patients reported anxiety, headaches, and a general feeling of weakness. Muscle pain and reddening of the skin were very rare.
Women concomitantly taking flunarizine hormonal contraceptive revenue, more often developed one Secretion of milk from the breast (Galactorrhea). If these or other side effects occur, the attending physician should be consulted so that he can decide on how to proceed. Often one is enough Reduction in dose to reduce the side effects. If this does not succeed, flunarizine must be discontinued.
Weight gain taking flunarizine
Taking flunarizine can cause a side effect Weight gain come. This can be associated with both increased and decreased appetite. This is due to the way the drug works, as by blocking calcium channels it also becomes a Influencing the metabolism and therefore can also contribute to influencing body weight.
dosage
Flunarizine is in Capsules with an active ingredient amount of 5mg available. Vestibular vertigo is usually treated two hard capsules of flunarizine 5mg in the evening taken. Patients older than 65 years only take one 5mg flunarizine capsule in the evening. When the symptoms improve, the Dose reduced in the course so that the preparation is only taken every other day or five days at a time, followed by a two-day break.
The same dosage applies to the prophylactic treatment of migraine attacks. Here, too, flunarizine is taken in the evening with sufficient liquid. The drug should be in the dose mentioned not taken longer than necessary to relieve symptoms (usually no longer than two months). If there is no improvement in the symptoms after one month of therapy with flunarizine, the therapy should be discontinued because it is not effective. The same applies to a decrease in the success of the therapy or the occurrence of serious side effects.
Even if the therapy is successful, it is only over six months maximum and should then be terminated. If symptoms reappear afterwards, flunarizine can be dosed again. The recommended daily doses of flunarizine should never be exceeded.
Flunarizine and dizziness
Flunarizine becomes Treatment of vestibular vertigo used. This form of vertigo is caused by a disturbance of the organ of equilibrium. By blocking calcium channels, flunarizine influences the transmission of signals in the inner ear and balance organ and can thereby Effectively relieve symptoms of dizziness. The dizziness should have been sufficiently diagnosed so that its origin can be clearly assigned to the organ of equilibrium. Flunarizine is usually not suitable for treating vertigo caused by other factors.
