Capitis 10

Indications

Capitis is recommended for the following conditions:

• Prevention of classic migraines (with aura) and common migraines (without aura).
• Treatment of vestibular vertigo caused by functional disorders of the vestibular system.
• Management of Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD).
• Prevention of motion sickness.
• Treatment of refractory epilepsy that does not respond to conventional antiepileptic treatments.

Always consult a registered healthcare provider before using this medication.

Pharmacology

Flunarizine, the active ingredient in Capitis, is a difluorinated derivative of cinnarizine. It acts as a selective calcium channel blocker, reducing excessive calcium influx into cells and preventing cellular overload. Flunarizine maintains normal cellular calcium balance while offering antihistaminic and mild sedative effects. It binds 99% to plasma proteins, enhancing its efficacy.

Dosage & Administration

• Migraine Prevention:
  • Initial Dose: 10 mg at night for patients under 65, and 5 mg daily for those over 65. If depressive, extrapyramidal, or other unacceptable symptoms occur, discontinue the treatment. If no significant improvement is seen after two months, consider the patient a non-responder and discontinue use.
  • Maintenance Treatment: If the patient responds well, reduce the dose to 5 mg daily with two consecutive days without medication each week. Prophylactic treatment should be paused after 6 months, and only restarted if a relapse occurs.
• Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD): 10 mg twice daily, up to 30 mg per day as needed.
• Vertigo & Motion Sickness: 10-20 mg daily for adults, and 5 mg daily for children weighing over 40 kg.
• Epilepsy: 15-20 mg daily for adults, and 5-10 mg daily for children as an adjunct therapy.

Always follow a registered healthcare provider’s instructions.

Interactions

Capitis may interact with oral contraceptives, potentially causing galactorrhoea within the first two months of treatment. Medications that induce hepatic enzymes, such as Carbamazepine and Phenytoin, may increase Capitis’ metabolism, requiring a dosage adjustment.

Contraindications

Capitis is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to Flunarizine or a history of depressive disorders. It should also be avoided in patients with Parkinson’s disease or other extrapyramidal symptoms.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include drowsiness, fatigue, weight gain, and increased appetite. Chronic use of Capitis may lead to:

• Depression (with women, particularly those with a history of depression, at higher risk).
• Extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, akathisia, orofacial dyskinesia), with elderly patients more vulnerable.

Rarely, users may experience: heartburn, nausea, gastralgia, insomnia, anxiety, galactorrhoea, dry mouth, muscle aches, and skin rashes.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The safety of Capitis during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Use with caution and consult your healthcare provider.

Precautions & Warnings

Capitis may cause drowsiness, which can be intensified by alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. Patients should avoid driving or performing tasks requiring mental alertness. Capitis is not intended to treat acute migraine attacks, and dose adjustments should not be made during an episode. The medication may provoke extrapyramidal or depressive symptoms, particularly in elderly or predisposed individuals.

Therapeutic Class

Miscellaneous migraine prophylactic agents.

Storage Instructions

Store at temperatures below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.