Abstract
Flunarizine is a unique calcium antagonist that inhibits excess calcium influx into cells. Although the pharmacokinetics of the drug have not been fully characterized, flunarizine appears to be extensively metabolized. The drug has a large volume of distribution (43.2 l/kg) and a long elimination half-life (19 days). The effectiveness of flunarizine is currently being investigated in the prophylaxis of migraine headache in both children and adults, as add-on therapy in refractory epilepsy in patients with partial complex seizures who are receiving combinations of other anticonvulsants, in the treatment of vertigo primarily due to peripheral causes, and in alternating hemiplegia in children. Flunarizine is generally well tolerated and no major organ system toxicity has been reported to date. The most common side effect seen is drowsiness, occurring in about 7% of patients.