Flunarizine, a Calcium Channel Blocker: a New Prophylactic Drug in Migraine

SYNOPSIS The postulated pivotal role of focal brain hypoxia in the genesis of the migraine attack and the anti‐hypoxic properties of flunarizine, have led to the use of the selective calcium‐entry blocker in the treatment of migraine. Clinical experience is reviewed. Open findings, confirmed by double‐blind placebo‐controlled studies and comparisons with pizotifen and cinnarizine, have shown that flunarizine, given at 10 mg daily, is a safe and effective prophylactic drug for both common and classical migraine. Factors determining the efficacy of flunarizine are discussed.