Understanding the Active Ingredient: Flunarizine
At its core, Tigover 10 is a brand-name medication containing 10 mg of flunarizine hydrochloride. Flunarizine is classified as a selective calcium channel antagonist and is a derivative of cinnarizine. Its primary pharmacological function is to prevent cellular calcium overload by reducing the excessive influx of calcium ions across cell membranes, particularly in the brain's blood vessels. Unlike some other medications, it does not interfere with normal cellular calcium homeostasis, making its action specific and targeted. It also exhibits some antihistaminic and sedative properties, which contribute to its therapeutic effects.
Indications for Tigover 10
Beyond its core function in migraine prevention, Tigover 10 has several other indications. A healthcare provider will determine the appropriate use for each patient based on their specific condition. The primary uses include:
- Prophylaxis of Migraine: This is the most common use of Tigover 10, indicated for patients with frequent and severe episodes of common (without aura) or classic (with aura) migraine. It is important to note that it is a preventative measure and is not effective for aborting an acute migraine attack.
- Treatment of Vestibular Vertigo: The medication is used for the symptomatic treatment of vestibular vertigo, which arises from a functional disorder of the vestibular system. This helps to manage the dizziness and balance problems associated with the condition.
- Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD): In some cases, Tigover 10 is indicated for the treatment of PVD. The improved blood flow facilitated by its calcium channel blocking effect can be beneficial.
- Motion Sickness: The medication's antihistaminic and sedative properties can help manage motion sickness.
- Refractory Epilepsy: For certain patients whose epileptic seizures are resistant to standard treatments, Tigover 10 can be used as an add-on therapy.
Administration and Usage
The administration of Tigover 10 varies depending on the indication and the patient's age. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by a healthcare professional regarding how and when to take this medication. The medication can be taken with or without food, but taking it at a consistent time each day helps maintain a steady drug level in the body.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, Tigover 10 can cause side effects. Patients should be aware of these potential adverse effects, especially when starting treatment. Common side effects often include:
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Weight gain or increased appetite
- Depression, particularly in patients with a history of depressive illness
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (such as tremors, rigidity), especially in elderly patients
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, heartburn, or stomach pain
- Dry mouth
- Muscle pain
- Insomnia
Patients should report any persistent or concerning side effects to their doctor. Due to the sedative nature of the medication, it is advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how Tigover 10 affects you.
Contraindications and Precautions
Certain conditions and drug interactions warrant caution or avoidance of Tigover 10. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of depressive illness or pre-existing symptoms of Parkinson's disease or other extrapyramidal disorders. Caution is also advised for elderly patients, as they are at a higher risk for certain side effects.
Interactions with other drugs:
- Alcohol and CNS Depressants: The simultaneous intake of alcohol or other central nervous system depressants can worsen the drowsiness caused by Tigover 10.
- Hepatic Enzyme Inducers: Medications like carbamazepine and phenytoin can increase the metabolism of flunarizine.
- Oral Contraceptives: There have been reports of galactorrhoea in women taking oral contraceptives within the first two months of treatment.
A Comparison of Migraine Prophylaxis Treatments
| Feature | Tigover 10 (Flunarizine) | Propranolol (Beta-Blocker) | Topiramate (Anticonvulsant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Selective calcium channel antagonist, regulates cerebral blood flow | Non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist, affects vascular reactivity and central mechanisms | Multiple mechanisms, including blockage of voltage-gated sodium channels and enhancement of GABA activity |
| Primary Use | Prophylaxis of migraine, vestibular vertigo | Prophylaxis of migraine, hypertension, anxiety | Prophylaxis of migraine, epilepsy |
| Common Side Effects | Drowsiness, weight gain, fatigue, depression, extrapyramidal symptoms | Fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, bradycardia, sexual dysfunction | Drowsiness, paresthesia (tingling), cognitive slowing, appetite loss |
| Not for Acute Attack? | Yes, strictly prophylactic | Yes, prophylactic only | Yes, prophylactic only |
| Noted Precautions | History of depression or Parkinson's, elderly patients | Asthma, heart failure, slow heart rate | Glaucoma, kidney stones, metabolic acidosis |
Conclusion
What Tigover 10 does is provide a valuable prophylactic option for individuals with chronic and severe migraines, as well as for those suffering from vestibular vertigo and other vascular conditions. As a selective calcium channel antagonist, its mechanism of action is distinct from many other preventative migraine therapies, offering an alternative for patients who have not responded to conventional treatments. However, patients must be aware of its potential side effects, such as drowsiness and weight gain, and should be monitored for signs of depression or extrapyramidal symptoms. As with any prescription medication, a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to determine if Tigover 10 is the right treatment and to manage its use effectively.
For more detailed pharmacological information on flunarizine, a reliable resource is the DrugBank Online database, which outlines its properties and mechanism of action.
