MGR-10 TABLETS
FLUNARIZINE
What it does
Flunarizine is a medication that helps manage certain neurological conditions.
Commonly used for: migraine prevention, vestibular disorders (balance issues)
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Hard to find? We help patients in Kenya source rare medicines. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 22:08:24 · updated 2026-03-23 04:53:33
About this medicine
Flunarizine is a medication that helps manage certain neurological conditions.
What it treats
- migraine prevention
- vestibular disorders (balance issues)
How it works
Flunarizine works by blocking certain channels in the brain, which helps reduce the frequency of migraines and improve balance.
Who it's for
This medication is suitable for adults who experience frequent migraines or balance problems.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: flunarizine
BNF-referencedFlunarizine is a selective calcium channel blocker primarily used in the management of migraine prophylaxis and the treatment of certain movement disorders, including vestibular disorders. It is also noted for its ability to enhance blood flow and reduce vascular resistance due to its action on calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle.
Indications
- Migraine prophylaxis
- Vestibular disorders
- Movement disorders
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations in paediatric patients.
Adults: For migraine prophylaxis, the usual adult dosage is 10 mg daily, which may be adjusted based on clinical response. For other indications, refer to specific guidelines.
Mechanism of action
Flunarizine inhibits the influx of extracellular calcium through myocardial and vascular membrane pores by physically plugging the channel. This decrease in intracellular calcium inhibits the contractile processes of smooth muscle cells, leading to dilation of the coronary and systemic arteries, increased oxygen delivery to myocardial tissue, decreased total peripheral resistance, decreased systemic blood pressure, and decreased afterload.
Pharmacodynamics
Flunarizine is a selective calcium entry blocker, possessing properties that allow it to bind to calmodulin. Additionally, it exhibits histamine H1 blocking activity, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects in migraine and motion sickness.
Pharmacokinetics
Flunarizine is well absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations typically reached within a few hours. It exhibits a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing. The drug is extensively metabolized in the liver, and its metabolites are excreted primarily through urine. The pharmacokinetics may vary in individuals based on hepatic function.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to flunarizine or any of its components
- Parkinson's disease or other extrapyramidal disorders
- Severe liver impairment
- Pregnancy
Adverse effects
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Insomnia
Interactions
- May enhance the sedative effects of other CNS depressants
- Caution with other antihypertensives due to additive blood pressure lowering effect
- May interact with alcohol, increasing drowsiness
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of depression
- Monitor for signs of extrapyramidal symptoms
- Consider gradual withdrawal to minimize rebound effects
- Caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders
Pregnancy
Flunarizine is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not known if flunarizine is excreted in human milk, caution is advised.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Capsules of 5 mg
- Capsules of 10 mg
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: flunarizine
PubChem CID 941361Molecular formula: C26H26F2N2
Mechanism of action
Flunarizine inhibits the influx of extracellular calcium through myocardial and vascular membrane pores by physically plugging the channel. The decrease in intracellular calcium inhibits the contractile processes of smooth muscle cells, causing dilation of the coronary and systemic arteries, increased oxygen delivery to the myocardial tissue, decreased total peripheral resistance, decreased systemic blood pressure, and decreased afterload.
Pharmacodynamics
Flunarizine is a selective calcium entry blocker with calmodulin binding properties and histamine H1 blocking activity.
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.