Definition
Flunarizine is a drug that can be used to treat certain forms of vertigo and to prevent migraine attacks. In particular, it inhibits calcium channels and thus influences the excitability of various nerve structures. It also has anti-allergic and anti-arrhythmic (on the heart) and anticonvulsant properties (against seizures). Flunarizine is not suitable for children; in older people, the active substance must be administered in lower doses.
Indications
The indications for flunarizine are limited to the treatment of vestibular dizziness, i.e. dizziness that develops in the vestibular organ in the inner ear, and 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. Flunarizine can be used for the prophylaxis of migraine attacks if it is a classic migraine that very often manifests itself as severe migraine attacks and other therapeutic agents (e.g. beta-blockers) have shown no prophylactic effect.
Patients with this form of dizziness or migraine can benefit from the use of flunarizine. Tinnitus is a disturbing ear noise that is subjectively perceived by a patient without a sound source being identified. This is often very distressing for the patient, as the ringing in the ears can be very disturbing, especially in quiet rooms or when falling asleep.
Accordingly, there are many different therapeutic approaches for tinnitus, but in most cases no scientific proof of efficacy has yet been provided. Flunarizine is also used by ENT physicians 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 the therapy with flunarizine, the drug can be used on a trial basis for tinnitus and, if successful, can continue to be administered therapeutically.
Effect
Flunarizine unfolds its effect primarily by blocking 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 transmissions. Blocking the channels therefore prevents calcium from flowing into the cells and thus reduces their excitability.
Since it is suspected that the calcium flow is involved in the development of vestibular dizziness and migraine attacks, flunarizine is successfully used for therapy in these two clinical pictures. Flunarizine also has an antihistaminergic effect by blocking histamine receptors. Histamine is a signal substance that plays a role in allergic reactions. Flunarizine also counteracts seizures and prevents cardiac arrhythmia.
