Grain
Grain Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Grain is a brand name. Its generic name is Flunarizine.
Introduction
Grain is a calcium channel blocker used in the treatment of migraine, vertigo, and neurosensory deafness. It is a highly selective antagonist of the L-type calcium channels in the brain, modulating the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate, norepinephrine, and serotonin, thereby providing relief from the symptoms of migraine.Uses
Grain is used to treat migraine, vertigo, and neurosensory deafness. It is also used to prevent migraine headaches and other similar conditions.Mechanism of Action
Grain is a highly selective antagonist of the L-type calcium channels in the brain. By blocking the L-type channels, it modulates the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate, norepinephrine, and serotonin, thereby providing relief from the symptoms of migraine. Grain also blocks the calcium channels present in peripheral blood vessels, thereby reduced the amount of calcium available, which leads to the relaxation of the blood vessels and reduction in blood pressure.How Long Does It Take to Work?
The effects of flunarizine can be noticed after about 6-8 hours after the initial dose. It may take up to two weeks for the full therapeutic effects of flunarizine to be noticed.Absorption
Grain is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration. The peak plasma concentrations are reached in 1-2 hours.Route of Elimination
Grain is eliminated from the body in urine and feces. It undergoes extensive biotransformation and has an elimination half-life of around 25-30 hours.Dosage
Grain is available in the form of tablets and capsules containing 10mg of flunarizine. The recommended dosage of flunarizine for migraine prophylaxis is 10-20mg per day in divided doses, or as advised by a doctor. It should not be taken more than twice a day.Administration
Grain should be taken orally with or without food. It can be taken with food to reduce the adverse effects. It should not be taken with alcohol as it can increase the side-effects.Side Effects
The side effects associated with flunarizine include drowsiness, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, dry mouth, headache and constipation.Toxicity
The acute oral toxicity of flunarizine is very low. Long-term exposure of flunarizine in higher doses than recommended can lead to toxicity. The primary effects of flunarizine toxicity include bradycardia, QT prolongation, and cardiac arrhythmias.Precaution
It is recommended to avoid using flunarizine in patients with history of congenital or acquired QT prolongation, orthostatic intolerance, myasthenia gravis, depression, Parkinson’s disease and renal impairment.Interaction
Grain may interact with other medicines such as anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and antihistamines.Disease Interactions
Grain may interact with certain diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.Drug Interactions
Grain may interact with other drugs and can increase the risk of toxicity or adverse effects.Food Interactions
Grain should be taken after a meal to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal irritation. Avoid taking flunarizine with alcohol.Pregnancy Use
Grain should be avoided in pregnant women unless the benefit outweighs the risk.Lactation Use
Grain should be avoided in breastfeeding women as it can be passed through breast milk and may cause adverse effects on the infant.Acute Overdose
Acute overdose with flunarizine can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, seizures, bradycardia, and hypotension.Contraindication
Grain is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug.Use Direction
The benefits and effectiveness of flunarizine should be discussed with a doctor before using the medication.Storage Condition
Grain should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.Volume of Distribution
Grain has a volume of distribution of 11L/kg.Half Life
The elimination half-life of flunarizine is around 25-30 hours.Clearance
The clearance of flunarizine is 5.9 L/h.Here you find in details version of Grain
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Grain
.Q1. What is Grain?
Grain is a medication used to prevent headaches, migraines, and vertigo primarily caused by vascular problems. It belongs to the calcium channel blocker family, which works by blocking signals in the brain to decrease the intensity of the headache or migraine.
Q2. How does Grain work?
Grain belongs to the calcium channel blocker family, which works by blocking signals in the brain to decrease the intensity of the headache or migraine. It also relaxes the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and can reduce the severity of the headaches.
Q3. What are the uses of Grain?
Grain is used primarily to prevent headaches, migraines, and vertigo. It can also be used to prevent cluster headaches. Additionally, it may be used to treat neuropathic pain caused by diabetes.
Q4. Is Grain safe?
When taken as directed, Grain is generally safe. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions, as taking too much can cause serious side effects. It is important to note that Grain may interact with other medications.
Q5. What are the side effects of Grain?
Common side effects of Grain include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, and difficulty concentrating. In rare cases, Grain may cause more serious side effects, such as kidney problems, liver damage, skin rash, or muscle weakness.
Q6. Who should not take Grain?
Patients with certain medical conditions should not take Grain. These include pregnant or nursing mothers, those with kidney or liver problems, or those taking certain medications. If you have any questions, be sure to speak with your doctor.
Q7. How do I take Grain?
Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Grain. Generally, adults should take 5-10mg once daily at bedtime. You should not take more than 15mg of Grain per day. Take Grain with food or milk to reduce nausea.
Q8. How long does it take for Grain to work?
It can take up to 4 weeks for Grain to start working. During this time, your doctor may adjust your dosage to find the best results. Generally, Grain is most effective when taken over a long period of time.
Q9. What should I do if I miss a dose of Grain?
If you miss a dose of Grain, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed one.
Q10. Is flunarizine habit-forming?
No, flunarizine is not addictive. If you take flunarizine for a long period of time, your doctor may need to gradually reduce your dose before stopping it completely.
Q11. Is Grain generic?
Yes, flunarizine is a generic medication. It is also available under brand names such as Sibelium,Calaptin, Solariz, and Fluress.
Q12. What are the possible drug interactions of Grain?
Grain may interact with other medications, such as drugs to treat high cholesterol, diabetes, or depression. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you take. It is also important to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Grain.
Q13. Are there any other precautions to consider when taking Grain?
Yes, it is important to avoid performing activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, while taking Grain. Additionally, Grain may increase the risk of allergic reactions, so be sure to discuss any allergies you have with your doctor.
Q14. Is Grain available over the counter?
No, Grain is not available over the counter. It must be prescribed by a physician.
Q15. Is Grain safe for children?
No, children under the age of 12 should not take Grain. For children ages 12 to 18, the dosage and treatment schedule should be discussed with a doctor.
Q16. Can Grain be used to treat depression?
No, Grain is not effective for treating depression. It is only used to prevent headaches, migraines, vertigo, and cluster headaches.
Q17. Is Grain safe for pregnant women?
No, pregnant women should not take Grain. It can cause birth defects and other serious side effects.
Q18. Is Grain safe for nursing mothers?
No, nursing mothers should not take Grain, as it can pass through breast milk and can harm the infant.
Q19. Is Grain an opioid?
No, Grain is not an opioid. It is a medication used to prevent headaches, migraines, and vertigo.
Q20. Does Grain have any interactions with other drugs?
Yes, Grain may interact with other drugs, such as drugs to treat high cholesterol, diabetes, or depression. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you take.
Q21. How long can I take Grain?
Grain is generally taken over a long period of time, but the exact length of treatment should be discussed with your doctor. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions when taking Grain.
Q22. Does Grain cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a commonly reported side effect of Grain, though it is possible. If you experience unexplained weight gain while taking Grain, contact your doctor.
Q23. What should I do if I experience serious side effects from Grain?
If you experience serious side effects such as kidney problems, liver damage, skin rash, or muscle weakness, contact your doctor immediately.
Q24. Are there any natural alternatives to Grain?
Some natural alternatives to Grain include herbs, vitamins, and supplements. Always talk to your doctor before taking any herbs, vitamins, or supplements to make sure they don't interact with other medications.
Q25. What are the long-term effects of taking Grain?
Long-term effects of taking Grain are not well known. It is important to talk to your doctor about any risks associated with long-term use of Grain.
Q26. What food should I avoid while taking Grain?
If you experience nausea while taking Grain, you should avoid foods that are high in fat, such as fried foods, and opt for lighter food like salads or fruits.
Q27. Is Grain available in generic form?
Yes, flunarizine is a generic medication. It is also available under brand names such as Sibelium,Calaptin, Solariz, and Fluress.
Q28. How is Grain different from other migraine medications?
Grain works differently than other migraine medications. Instead of treating the headache, Grain works by preventing the headache or migraine from occurring in the first place. It also takes longer to start working than other medications.
Q29. Does Grain affect the brain?
Grain works by blocking signals in the brain to decrease the intensity of the headache or migraine. It also relaxes the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and can reduce the severity of the headaches.
Q30. Does Grain have any interactions with alcohol?
Yes, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Grain. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.