Propranolol+flunarizine
About
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)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you have any history of liver or kidney diseases, breathing problems (asthma, bronchitis, emphysema), diabetes, heart failure, heart rhythm problems (sinus bradycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, atrioventricular block), overactive thyroid, blood circulation problems (Raynaud's disease), adrenal gland tumour (pheochromocytoma), depression, metabolic acidosis (excess acid in the blood), and myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness) before starting Propranolol+flunarizine. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant and planning to conceive if the doctor advised you Propranolol+flunarizine. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Propranolol+flunarizine as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Propranolol+flunarizine may interact with mood disorder medicines (alprazolam, quetiapine, aripiprazole), drugs treating sleeping problems (zolpidem), respiratory drugs (diphenhydramine), antidepressants (sertraline, duloxetine, fluoxetine), and fits medicine (carbamazepine, phenytoin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Alcohol may cause dizziness and drowsiness when taken with Propranolol+flunarizine.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Propranolol+flunarizine, let your doctor know if you have any liver, kidney or heart diseases, asthma, depression, muscle disorders, metabolic acidosis, diabetes, and alcohol dependency.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Propranolol+flunarizine. Alcohol intake, along with Propranolol+flunarizine, may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before using Propranolol+flunarizine.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Propranolol+flunarizine if you are a lactating mother.
Driving
cautionPropranolol+flunarizine may make you feel drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience drowsiness.
Liver
cautionTherapy with propranolol should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor if you have a history of liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionPlasma clearance of Propranolol in Propranolol+flunarizine is reduced in patients with renal failure. Please consult your doctor if you have a history of kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
safe if prescribedPropranolol+flunarizine is safe to use for children below 12 years of age when prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid chocolates, junk food, cheese, processed food, alcohol, and smoking. Instead, eat a healthy diet and do regular exercise to avoid weight gain caused due to Propranolol+flunarizine.
- Avoid loud music, extreme temperatures, bright lights, and noisy places as it can increase headache.
- You can try increasing your mindfulness by doing yoga, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and stress reduction techniques.
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated and limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine to relieve headaches.
- Include a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. This is a healthier option than eating a lot of simple carbohydrates found in processed foods.
- You can include antioxidants in your daily diet like ashwagandha, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, and lemon balm.
- Try to spend time with your friends and family. Having a strong social network may help you lower your risk of anxiety.
Special Advise
- Let your doctor know that you are taking Propranolol+flunarizine if you are undergoing any medical tests.
- Beta-blockers like Propranolol can mask hypoglycaemia symptoms (low blood sugar) or hyperthyroidism (high thyroid levels).
- It is advised to inform your doctor if you have diabetes or thyroid disease before using Propranolol+flunarizine.
- Beta-blockers can also cause changes in serum lipid profiles. Patients with pre-existing hyperlipidaemia (high lipid levels) should be closely monitored if using Propranolol+flunarizine.
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.
