Flunarizine Dihydrochloride Tablet 10 mg Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Tablets

Available Strengths: 10 mg

Reference Brands: Sibelium (EU)

Category: Antipsychotropic Drugs

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.

Product Description:

Flunarizine is a non-selective calcium channel blocker that also has antihistamine and dopamine-blocking activity. Unlike cardiac calcium blockers it crosses into the brain readily and accumulates there. Its effect in migraine is thought to come from reducing calcium overload in neurons and stabilising the cortical excitability that underlies cortical spreading depression, the phenomenon behind migraine aura.

It is used to prevent migraine, particularly where attacks are frequent or severe, and for vertigo of central and peripheral origin. It is one of the better-supported migraine preventives in European guidelines, comparable to propranolol and topiramate. Two adverse effects govern its use. Weight gain from increased appetite is common and a frequent reason for stopping. More importantly, its dopamine blockade causes depression and extrapyramidal symptoms, including parkinsonism, particularly in older patients and with prolonged use, which is why treatment is usually limited to a few months and reviewed regularly. It is contraindicated in Parkinson's disease and in a history of depression.

Sourcing notes. Registered across Europe, Asia and Latin America but never in the US. Off patent, with generics widely available. Confirm registration and the permitted treatment duration in the destination market, since several regulators cap it.