Propranolol+flunarizine
About Propranolol+flunarizine
Propranolol+flunarizine belongs to the class of 'anti-migraine drugs' primarily used to treat migraine. Migraine is a medical condition that involves severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation on one side of the head. Severe and recurrent headaches are one of the characteristic symptoms of migraine. Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, difficulty speaking, numbness or tingling, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Propranolol+flunarizine consists of 'Propranolol' (beta-blocker) and 'Flunarizine' (calcium channel blocker). Propranolol has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), anti-arrhythmic (treats abnormal heart rhythms), and antihypertensive (reduces blood pressure) properties. Propranolol works by reducing cerebral (brain) blood flow by directly acting on the brain's blood vessels. It also inhibits cortical spreading depression, electrical activity in the brain that causes pain and inflammation. It effectively treats and reduces the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. Flunarizine belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers. It improves blood flow and dilates blood vessels in the brain, thereby preventing headaches caused due to migraine. It is also used to treat vertigo (spinning sensation).
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on the severity of your pain. Common side effects of Propranolol+flunarizine include dry weight gain, slow heart rate, tiredness, depression, drowsiness, abnormal dreams, and cold extremities (hands and feet). These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you use any prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking, including other vitamins, before starting Propranolol+flunarizine. Propranolol+flunarizine may cause weight gain in some cases, so avoid eating junk and eat a healthy, balanced diet, including home-cooked food. Consult your doctor before taking Propranolol+flunarizine if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Propranolol+flunarizine as it could lead to increased drowsiness.
Uses of Propranolol+flunarizine
Medicinal Benefits
Propranolol+flunarizine is used to treat migraine. It consists of 'Propranolol' and 'Flunarizine'. Propranolol is a beta-blocker and has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), anti-arrhythmic, and antihypertensive properties. It works by lowering cerebral (brain) blood flow and inhibits cortical spreading depression, electrical activity in the brain that causes pain and inflammation. It reduces the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. Flunarizine is a channel blocker that improves blood flow and dilates blood vessels in the brain, thereby preventing headaches caused due to migraine.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Propranolol+flunarizine
- Weight gain
- Slow heart rate
- Tiredness
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Abnormal dreams
- Cold extremities (hands and feet)
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Migraine: It is a medical condition that involves severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation on one side of the head. Severe and recurrent headaches are one of the characteristic symptoms of migraine. Symptoms of migraine may include nausea, vomiting, difficulty speaking, numbness or tingling, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine can be triggered by various factors like foods (eggs, tomatoes, onions, dairy products, wheat, pasta, citrus fruits, nitrites found in foods, alcohol, and red wine), hormonal changes, sleep changes, stress, loud noises, and medications.
FAQs
Propranolol+flunarizine is a combination of two drugs: Propranolol and Flunarizine. Propranolol+flunarizine treats migraine by reducing the blood flow to the brain, and inhibits cortical spreading depression, electrical activity in the brain that causes pain and inflammation.
Propranolol+flunarizine may sometimes cause weight gain during its prolonged use. It is always advised to maintain a well-balanced, healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Propranolol+flunarizine does not work for a sudden migraine attack. It is helpful in only preventing new episodes of migraine headaches. Please let your doctor know if you have sudden attacks to be prescribed other suitable medications.
Propranolol+flunarizine is contraindicated in asthma, slow heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, heart conditions like AV (Atrioventricular) block or sick sinus syndrome, depression, and Parkinson's disease. Please consult your doctor before starting Propranolol+flunarizine if you have a medical history.
Your doctor will prescribe Propranolol+flunarizine to prevent any new episodes of migraine. Please do not stop taking this medicine unless advised by your doctor since it may lead to recurrent episodes of migraine. Propranolol+flunarizine also contains Propranolol, and its sudden withdrawal may cause sweating, shaking, irregular heartbeat, and worsening of underlying angina or heart attack. Hence, do not stop using Propranolol+flunarizine unless advised by your doctor.
