Flunarizine in the prevention of classical migraine: a placebo-controlled evaluation |
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Authors: | G Mendenopoulos Th Manafi I Logothetis S Bostantjopoulou |
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Institution: | "Agios Dimitrios" Hospital, Neurological and Psychiatric Department B, Aristotelio University, Thessaloniki, Greece;;Clinical R&D Department, Janssen Pharmaceutica S.A.C.I., 282 Kifissias Avenue, 152 32 Halandri, Athens, Greece |
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Abstract: | Pharmacological data and early clinical experience have suggested that the calcium entry blocker flunarizine may be a valuable gain in the prophylaxis of migraine. This was supported by a study in 20 patients with classical migraine who were, after a drug free run-in phase, orally treated with either placebo or flunarizine (10 mg at night) for 3 to 4 months. Flunarizine significantly reduced the frequency, duration and severity of the migraine attacks. A corrected migraine index, based on these 3 variables was reduced by 82% in the drug group but increased by 66% in the control patients. Only 1 patient did not clearly benefit from flunarizine. In some cases flunarizine should be administered for at least 4 months before judging its efficacy. No side-effects occurred. |
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Keywords: | Calcium entry blocker classical migraine flunarizine migraine prophylaxis |
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