Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate the efficacy and safety of flunarizine in treatment of pediatric headaches.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical records of children aged between 4 and 19 years who were treated with flunarizine for headache at the Chosun university hospital between April 2006 and December 2012. Flunarizine was prescribed to patients 5 mg daily. We evaluated frequency, duration, severity, and disability of headache before and after treatment of flunarizine. Effective treatment was defined as a reduction in the frequency of individual attacks by at the least 50%.

Results: Eighty five patients were identified, 23 were excluded due to missing records. Finally 62 children were identified: 18 boys and 44 girls with a mean age of 11 years. The diagnostic categories were: migraine (27), tension type headache (7), others (28). The mean frequency of attack was 15.1± 8.9 per month. Good outcome was observed 54.8% (34/62) in 1 month, 70.4% (38/54) in 3 month, and 80.8% (42/52) in 6 month. Adverse effects were seen in 15 (24.2%): worsening of headache (4), sedation (3), weight gain/increased appetite (2), dizziness (1), drowsiness (1) and others (4). Adverse effects lead to discontinuation of flunarizine were seen in 6 patients including worsening of headache (4), muscle ache (1), and tremor (1). Flunarizine was discontinued due to lack of response in seven patients.

Conclusions: Flunarizine appears to be effective and safe in pediatric headache in our study. In 9.7% of patients, adverse effects lead to discontinuation of flunarizine.