The effectiveness of Flunarizine 5mg in managing migraines has been highly valued. However, not everyone is fully informed about the basic knowledge required for its proper use. Let’s delve into the uses, method of administration, and important precautions of Flunarizine 5mg in the following article.
1. What is Flunarizine 5mg?
Flunarizine 5mg belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers. It is manufactured in capsule form containing flunarizine as hydrochloride. Each 5mg of flunarizine corresponds to 5.9mg of flunarizine hydrochloride.
2. The use of Flunarizine 5mg
Flunarizine (commonly available in 5mg and 10mg forms) is a calcium channel blocker and a difluoro derivative of piperazine. It is primarily used to prevent and reduce the frequency of classic migraines (with warning signs like blurred vision or bright flashes …) or the common migraines. Additionally, it supports the treatment of vertigo caused by vestibular disorders.
Flunarizine has been proven effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Certain other off-label uses of the drug may be prescribed by a doctor. This medication should only be used for specific conditions as directed by a healthcare provider.
3. How to Use Flunarizine 5mg
3.1 Dosage for Children
Children under 12 years old: The safety and efficacy of flunarizine in this age group have not been established. Generally, children under 12 years old should not use this medication.
Children 12 years and older: Administer 5mg per day in the evening. Treatment with flunarizine should not exceed 6 months. For children aged 12 years and older, parents should ensure the medication is used under the supervision of an experienced doctor.
Importantly, parents should discontinue treatment if the child develops symptoms of depression, extrapyramidal symptoms, or any other severe side effects.
3.2 Dosage for Adults
Prevention of Migraine: The initial dose should be taken in the evening. For patients ≤ 65 years old: 10mg (2 tablets) / per day. If the condition does not improve after 2 months of treatment, the medication should be stopped. If the patient responds well and needs maintenance therapy, the dose should be reduced to 5mg per day with 2 days off per week. If maintenance treatment is successful and well-tolerated, treatment can be stopped for 6 months and restarted only if symptoms recur.
Dizziness: The daily dose is similar to the dose used for migraine, but the initial treatment should continue only until symptoms are controlled, typically for less than 2 months. If chronic dizziness does not improve significantly after 1 month, and positional dizziness does not improve after 2 months, the patient is considered non-responsive and treatment should be discontinued.
3.3 Dosage for other specific groups:
Prevention of Migraine in the Elderly (> 65 years old): For the first dose, take it in the evening. Take 5mg per day for 4-8 weeks.
Dosage for Patients with Liver Dysfunction: Since the medication is extensively metabolized in the liver, dosage adjustments are necessary. Start with 5mg per day in the evening. If no response is seen after 8 weeks, the patient will be considered non-responsive, and treatment should be stopped. The medication should not be used for more than 6 months.
4. Notes When Using Flunarizine 5mg
4.1 General Notes
Here are some general notes when using Flunarizine 5mg:
- You may have to wait a few weeks to see the effects of flunarizine. Therefore, if no effect is noticed within the first 6 to 8 weeks of use, you should not stop using the medication.
- After using this medication, do not dispose of it in wastewater (e.g., sink or toilet) or in household trash. You can ask a pharmacist how to dispose of the medication when it expires or is no longer needed.
- In case of severe side effects or overdose, the patient should go to the nearest healthcare facility or hospital for further instructions.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as possible with your next meal or snack. However, if it's close to the time for the next dose, you may skip the missed dose.
- Inform your doctor about any allergies you may have. Notify your doctor if you are allergic to any ingredients of the medication.
- Be cautious when using flunarizine in people with any medical conditions (e.g., liver disease).
- Be careful when operating machinery or engaging in activities that require alertness while taking the medication.
4.2 Notes for Specific Groups:
- Pregnant women: No studies have confirmed the safety of flunarizine for pregnant women. Therefore, this medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus.
- Caution when used by breastfeeding women: It is not known whether the active ingredients of flunarizine pass into breast milk. It is advisable to consider or avoid using this medication during breastfeeding, or to take the medication and stop breastfeeding.
- Drivers or machine operators: Flunarizine 5mg may cause drowsiness as a side effect, especially when starting treatment. Therefore, it is not recommended to use this medication when driving or operating machinery to avoid potential accidents.
In summary, the use of Flunarizine should be in accordance with the prescribed guidelines to ensure effective treatment for patients.
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