Fluner 5

FLUNER 5 by GENO PHARMACEUTICALS PVT. LTD.

Name

• Brand Name: FLUNER 5
• Common Name: Flunarizine

Composition

• Active Ingredients: Flunarizine 5 mg

Uses

FLUNER 5 is primarily prescribed for the prophylaxis (prevention) of various conditions, including:

• Migraine Prevention: It is used to prevent migraine headaches, including those with or without aura, by maintaining blood vessel tone and preventing their dilation in the brain. It is not for treating an acute migraine attack.
• Vestibular Disorders: It helps in the prevention and management of vertigo and other vestibular disorders, which cause dizziness and balance problems.
• Other Uses: It may also be used in some cases as an adjunct epileptic therapy and for symptoms of cerebral insufficiency.

Dosage and Administration

• Typical Dosage: For adults, the usual prophylactic dose for migraine, vertigo, and vestibular disorders is 5-10 mg daily, typically taken at bedtime.
• Administration: It can be taken with or without food. It is advised to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels. Do not skip doses, and complete the full course of treatment as advised by your doctor.
• Onset of Action: Full effects may take 8 to 12 weeks, and treatment usually continues for at least six months if beneficial.
• Age Restrictions: It is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age due to unstudied safety and efficacy.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness, tiredness, or fatigue
• Weight gain and increased appetite
• Low mood or depression
• Dizziness
• Stomach ache, gastric pain, constipation
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• Muscle aches
• Blocked or runny nose
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Rarely, extrapyramidal reactions (symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease)

Precautions

• Contraindications: Do not use if you have hypersensitivity to Flunarizine, a history of depression, Parkinson's disease, or liver damage. Caution is also advised for patients with glaucoma.
• Activities: As it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or visual disturbances, avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medicine.
• Overdose: Never exceed the prescribed dose, as an overdose can lead to severe drowsiness, weakness, agitation, confusion, or a fast heartbeat.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Drug Interactions: Exercise caution with anxiety medications (e.g., citalopram), oral contraceptives (e.g., prednisone), and antihypertensives. It is not recommended for use in partial/total urinary tract obstruction or porphyria, and caution is advised with gastrointestinal diseases like colitis.

Storage

No specific storage information was found in the available data.

What is FLUNER 5 used for?

FLUNER 5 (Flunarizine 5 mg) is primarily used for the prevention of migraine headaches in adults. It is effective for individuals who experience frequent migraines, especially severe migraines with aura or neurological symptoms like vertigo. It can also be used to manage vertigo and other vestibular disorders.

How does FLUNER 5 work?

FLUNER 5 contains flunarizine, which is a calcium channel blocker. It works by preventing the excessive entry of calcium into the cells of blood vessels in the brain. This action helps to relax the blood vessels, preventing their abnormal contraction and dilation, which are considered key factors in triggering migraines. Additionally, it helps reduce the firing of pain-signaling neurons, prevents the release of inflammatory substances, and has some antihistamine properties.

What is the usual dosage of FLUNER 5?

The typical recommended dosage for adults is 5 mg or 10 mg once daily, usually taken at bedtime, with or without food. It is advised to take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in the body. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment based on your specific medical condition and response.

What are the possible side effects of FLUNER 5?

Common side effects of FLUNER 5 include drowsiness, fatigue, weight gain, increased appetite, constipation, nausea, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), and a runny nose. More serious but less common side effects can include depression, muscle stiffness, tremors, or symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it is important to consult your doctor.

Is FLUNER 5 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

FLUNER 5 is generally not recommended during pregnancy as there is limited information on its effects in human pregnancy, and some sources advise against its use. For breastfeeding mothers, caution is advised, and it is generally not recommended because it is not known if the medicine passes into breast milk. Always consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can FLUNER 5 be taken with other medications?

FLUNER 5 can interact with certain medications. For instance, taking it with anti-anxiety medicines (like alprazolam and diazepam) or anti-epileptic medicines (such as carbamazepine and phenytoin) can increase drowsiness or potentially reduce the effectiveness of the anti-epileptic drugs, respectively. Women using oral contraceptives may also experience milky discharge from the nipple. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal preparations.

What precautions should be taken while taking FLUNER 5?

Avoid FLUNER 5 if you have a history of depression or Parkinson's disease, as it may worsen these conditions. Since the medication can cause drowsiness, especially at the beginning of treatment, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery until you understand how it affects you. Alcohol consumption should be avoided or minimized while taking FLUNER 5, as it can intensify drowsiness. Patients with liver impairment should use this medicine with caution.

What happens if a dose of FLUNER 5 is missed?

If you miss a dose of FLUNER 5, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

How should FLUNER 5 be stored?

FLUNER 5 should be stored below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. It should be kept out of the sight and reach of children.