Generic Sibelium (Flunarizine)

Common use

Sibelium is a Ca 2+ channel blocker and is used to prevent classic (with aura) or common (without aura) migraine, symptomatic treatment of vestibular vertigo. 5.9 mg of flunarizine hydrochloride is generallycontained in each capsule of this medication.



Dosage and direction

Recommended dose of Sibelium is two 5 mg capsules (10 mg) at night for adults. The dosage should be reduced to 5 mg daily in patients over 65 y.o. Stop taking the medication if any signs of depressive, extrapyramidal or other unacceptable symptoms occur or if after 2 months of this initial treatment no significant improvement is observed. In case of satisfactory initial treatment the maintenance treatment consists in 5 day course of taking of the same dose followed by 2 medicine free days every week.



Precautions

The regular intake of Sibelium doses is known to trigger drowsiness. Sibelium aggravates effects of alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. Avoid drinking alcohol when you are treated with this medication. Patients should be cautioned while driving vehicles or performing other tasks which are potentially hazardous and require high concentration of attention.



Contraindications

Sibelium is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, in patients with a history of depressive illness, and ones with a history of depression or pre-existing extrapyramidal disorders, in pregnant or breastfeeding patients.



Possible side effect

Most common side effects are drowsiness, fatigue, weight gain, increased appetite, agitation, sedation, and tachycardia. More rare adverse reactions are heartburn; gastralgia, nausea, insomnia, galactorrhoea, anxiety, muscle ache, dry mouth, skin rash. Long treatment with Sibelium caused depression (especially in women) and extrapyramidal symptoms (such as bradykinesia, rigidity, akathisia, orofacial dyskinesia, tremor, which are more frequent in elder patients.



Drug interaction

Hepatic enzyme inducers such as carbamazepine and phenytoin decrease blood levels of Sibelium due to enhancement of its metabolism. Women taking oral contraceptives developed galactorrhoea.



Missed dose

If you missed taking a dose of Sibelium you should contact your doctor as correction of your dose schedule may be required. Never double the dose of this medication.



Overdose

Known symptoms of overdose are sedation, agitation and tachycardia. Contact your doctor immediately if you suppose that too much of Sibelium was taken.



Storage

Store at room temperature, below 25 C (77 F) and out of reach and children and pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Апу specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.