Flunarizine and cinnarizine-induced parkinsonism: a historical and clinical analysis.
BACKGROUND
Drug-Induced Parkinsonism (DIP) represents the second leading cause of Parkinsonism (PK) in several countries. Flunarizine and cinnarizine are some of the most common drugs that cause DIP. This paper reviews the first description of Flunarizine and Cinnarizine-Induced Parkinsonism (FCIP), as well as the subsequent literature, emphasizing epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects.


METHODS
We reviewed the literature on the subject, with special emphasis on the first description and the later definition of the clinical syndrome that results from chronic use of flunarizine and cinnarizine.


RESULTS
In 1984, De Melo-Souza reported the first description of flunarizine-induced PK in five patients. Other reports followed on FCIP, emphasizing the clinical features, which are symmetrical parkinsonism, and depression, affecting mainly elderly women.


CONCLUSIONS
Eighteen years after the original description, FCIP is a recognized condition with specific clinical features, and is the second most common cause of parkinsonism in many countries.
Teive
Hélio A G
HA
Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Federal University of Paraná, 1103/102, Rua General Carneiro, 80060-150 Centro, Curitiba, Pr, Brazil. hagteive@mps.com.br
Troiano
André R
AR
Germiniani
Francisco M B
FM
Werneck
Lineu C
LC
D002936:Cinnarizine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005444:Flunarizine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D010302:Parkinson Disease, Secondary / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis
D002936:Cinnarizine; D005444:Flunarizine