Generic Flunarizine

Introduction

Flunarizine is a calcium‑channel‑blocking agent that is primarily prescribed for the prophylaxis of migraine and for the management of certain vestibular disorders. In the United Kingdom it is classified within the pain‑relief medication group because of its effectiveness in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, a common source of disabling head pain. The active compound, flunarizine, is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies under both brand‑name and generic licences. In addition to migraine prevention, flunarizine is used off‑label for conditions such as episodic vertigo and some forms of restless‑leg syndrome, reflecting its influence on neuronal excitability and vascular tone.

What is Flunarizine?

Flunarizine is a synthetic piperazine derivative that functions as a selective antagonist of L‑type voltage‑gated calcium channels. It was first developed by the French pharmaceutical group Servier in the 197s and introduced to the market under the brand name Stugeron. In the United Kingdom the same active substance is available as a generic medication.

Flunarizine is the generic version of Stugeron, containing the same active compound Flunarizine. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option. The generic formulation is produced by authorised manufacturers who meet the stringent standards of the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

How Flunarizine Works

Flunarizine blocks the influx of calcium ions through L‑type channels located on smooth muscle cells, cardiac myocytes, and certain neurons. By reducing intracellular calcium, the drug lowers vascular smooth‑muscle contractility, which diminishes the vasoconstriction‑induced pain that can trigger migraine attacks. In the central nervous system, calcium‑channel inhibition stabilises neuronal firing rates, decreasing the likelihood of cortical spreading depression—the electrophysiological wave thought to underlie migraine aura.

The onset of prophylactic benefit typically appears after several days of consistent dosing, reflecting the time needed for steady‑state drug concentrations to be achieved (half‑life ≈ 18–30 hours). The effect persists as long as the medication is taken, and withdrawal can lead to a rebound increase in migraine frequency, highlighting the importance of gradual tapering under medical supervision.

Conditions Treated with Flunarizine

• Migraine prophylaxis – Clinical trials published in Cephalalgia and The Lancet Neurology demonstrate a reduction of 2‑3 migraine days per month compared with placebo. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) lists flunarizine as a second‑line option when triptans are ineffective or contraindicated.
• Vestibular migraine and recurrent vertigo – The drug’s stabilising effect on inner‑ear blood flow makes it useful for patients experiencing episodic vertigo linked to migraine mechanisms.
• Idiopathic or secondary episodic vertigo – Small‑scale studies suggest benefit in chronic subjective dizziness, likely through central vestibular compensation.
• Restless‑leg syndrome (RLS) – Though off‑label, flunarizine’s calcium‑channel blockade can alleviate nocturnal leg sensations in patients unresponsive to first‑line dopaminergic agents.

In the UK, migraine affects approximately 15 % of the adult population, making it one of the most common neurological disorders. Vestibular migraine accounts for an estimated 1 % of adults, with a higher prevalence in women aged 30‑50. By targeting these conditions, flunarizine helps reduce healthcare utilisation, improve work productivity, and enhance quality of life.

Who is Flunarizine For?

Flunarizine is indicated for adult patients who require preventive treatment for migraine or chronic vertigo when first‑line therapies are unsuitable, poorly tolerated, or have failed to provide adequate control. Typical candidates include:

• Adults (≥ 18 years) with ≥ 4 migraine days per month despite acute abortive medication use.
• Patients with contraindications to beta‑blockers, antiepileptic prophylactics (e.g., topiramate), or antidepressants.
• Individuals who experience migraine‑related vestibular symptoms (dizziness, imbalance) that interfere with daily activities.
• Patients with recurrent vertigo of unknown origin where vascular dysregulation is suspected.

Flunarizine is not appropriate for:

• Children and adolescents, as safety data are limited.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to potential fetal exposure and insufficient human data.
• Persons with a known hypersensitivity to flunarizine or any excipients in the tablet formulation.
• Patients with severe hepatic impairment, as drug clearance may be significantly reduced.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Weight gain – Gradual increase in appetite may lead to modest weight gain over months.
• Sedation or drowsiness – Particularly at the start of therapy; patients should avoid operating heavy machinery until they know how they react.
• Dry mouth – Can be mitigated by regular sips of water or sugar‑free lozenges.
• Mild gastrointestinal upset – Nausea or dyspepsia is usually transient.

Rare

• Extrapyramidal symptoms – Rare reports of parkinsonism‑like rigidity or tremor, especially in elderly patients.
• Depression – Small case series have noted mood changes; monitor patients with a history of depressive disorders.
• Skin reactions – Occasional rash or pruritus; discontinue if severe.

Serious

• Severe hypersensitivity – Anaphylaxis, angioedema, or bronchospasm requires immediate medical attention.
• Hepatotoxicity – Elevated liver enzymes have been observed in isolated cases; monitor liver function during prolonged therapy.
• Neuroleptic malignant‑like syndrome – Extremely rare, presenting with high fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability; urgent hospitalization is mandatory.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) may increase flunarizine plasma concentrations, heightening side‑effect risk.
• CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, antihistamines, alcohol) can amplify sedation; dose adjustments may be required.
• Antihypertensive agents – Additive vasodilatory effects may lead to orthostatic hypotension.
• Anticholinergic drugs – May exacerbate dry‑mouth symptoms.

Patients should provide a complete medication list, including over‑the‑counter supplements, to the prescribing clinician.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dose for migraine prophylaxis: 5 mg (usually one tablet) taken once daily, preferably in the evening to minimise daytime drowsiness. Some clinicians may initiate at 2.5 mg and titrate upward based on tolerance.
• Vertigo or vestibular indications: The same 5 mg nightly regimen is commonly employed, though dose adjustments depend on response.

Missed dose – If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered unless it is within 12 hours of the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed tablet and continue with the regular schedule; double‑dosing is not advised.

Overdose – Symptoms may include profound drowsiness, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias. Immediate medical evaluation is essential. Supportive care, such as activated charcoal and cardiac monitoring, is standard in UK emergency departments.

Precautions –

• Avoid alcohol while taking flunarizine, as the combination can intensify sedation and dizziness.
• Do not operate motor vehicles or hazardous machinery until the individual effect of the medication is known.
• Caution is advised in patients with a history of depression, parkinsonism, or hepatic disease.
• Renal impairment does not significantly affect flunarizine clearance, but dose adjustment may be considered in severe cases.

Buying Flunarizine from Our Online Pharmacy

Flunarizine can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. We specialise in providing verified generic medicines at prices close to the manufacturer’s cost, ensuring accessibility for patients who face limited supply through conventional channels.

• Affordable pricing – Our cost structure removes unnecessary mark‑ups, delivering a competitive price for each 5 mg tablet.
• Verified quality – All products are sourced from licensed overseas manufacturers that comply with European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and are inspected by the UK MHRA.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet, reliable shipping options include express delivery within 7 days for most UK postcodes, or standard airmail arriving in approximately 3 weeks for remote areas.
• Online‑only access – As a pharmacy broker service, we partner with reputable overseas pharmacies, enabling patients to obtain medications that may not be stocked locally. Our process respects patient privacy, with secure packaging and optional anonymous billing.

Our service offers a pragmatic, cost‑effective pathway for individuals seeking a generic alternative to brand‑name flunarizine, particularly when insurance coverage is unavailable or when supply shortages arise.

FAQ

• Can flunarizine cause weight changes?
  Yes, some patients report gradual weight gain during long‑term therapy, likely due to increased appetite. Monitoring body weight and adopting a balanced diet can mitigate this effect.

• Is it safe to travel abroad while taking flunarizine?
  Flunarizine is stable at room temperature (15‑30 °C). When traveling, keep the medication in its original packaging, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, such as in a checked luggage compartment.

• What does a flunarizine tablet look like?
  Generic tablets are typically round, white or pale yellow, and may be marked with the dosage strength (5 mg) on one side. In the UK, the imprint can vary by manufacturer, but the appearance is consistent with regulatory specifications.

• Are there differences between UK and EU formulations of flunarizine?
  The active ingredient and dosage strength are identical across the UK and EU, as both jurisdictions follow the European Pharmacopoeia. Inactive excipients may differ slightly, but these variations do not affect therapeutic efficacy.

• Can flunarizine be imported for personal use in the UK?
  Personal import of a three‑month supply of prescription medication is permitted under the UK’s “Own Use” exemption, provided the product is sourced from a licensed pharmacy and accompanied by a valid prescription. Our online pharmacy ensures compliance with these regulations.

• Does flunarizine have any impact on drug testing?
  Routine workplace or sporting drug tests do not screen for flunarizine, as it is not a controlled substance and has no known performance‑enhancing properties.

• What are the storage requirements for flunarizine tablets?
  Store tablets in a dry place at a temperature between 15 °C and 30 °C, protecting them from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze the medication, as this may compromise tablet integrity.

• How long does it take to see a reduction in migraine frequency?
  Most patients notice a measurable decline in migraine days after 2‑4 weeks of daily dosing, with maximal benefit typically observed after 8‑12 weeks of consistent therapy.

• Are there any known interactions with herbal supplements?
  St. John’s wort, a CYP3A4 inducer, can lower flunarizine plasma levels, potentially reducing efficacy. Patients using herbal products should discuss possible interactions with their healthcare provider.

• What clinical trials established flunarizine’s efficacy for migraine?
  Randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trials published in Cephalalgia (1995) and The Lancet Neurology (2002) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in monthly migraine days and improved patient‑reported disability scores.

Glossary

Calcium‑channel blocker

A class of drugs that inhibit the entry of calcium ions into cells, reducing muscle contraction and neuronal excitability.

Prophylaxis

Preventive treatment aimed at reducing the frequency or severity of future disease episodes.

Half‑life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 % after reaching steady state.

CYP3A4

An enzyme in the liver that metabolises many medications; inhibition or induction of CYP3A4 can alter drug levels.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Flunarizine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Flunarizine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.