Pizotifen

About Pizotifen

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antihistamines.

Pizotifen is used to prevent troublesome headaches such as migraine and recurrent throbbing headaches. It is also used to treat cluster headaches, which occur in close succession at certain times of the year, usually lasting 6-12 weeks.

Your body produces two chemicals which, in some cases, cause headaches. These chemicals are 'serotonin' and 'histamine'. Pizotifen helps to prevent certain types of headache by stopping the effects of these chemicals.

Pizotifen is available in tablet and oral liquid form.

It is also sometimes known as: Sanomigran. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Pizotifen

Before taking pizotifen make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you suffer from glaucoma
• if you have been experiencing difficulty urinating
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Pizotifen

• Take pizotifen exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of pizotifen contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Pizotifen is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Pizotifen can cause drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Pizotifen can occasionally cause dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or ice. If dry mouth becomes too troublesome discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside pizotifen.

Can Pizotifen cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Dry mouth, fast heartbeat, difficulty urinating (passing water), constipation, drowsiness, increased appetite and weight gain, feeling sick, dizziness, skin rashes, swelling of the limbs, muscle pains, pins and needles, sexual problems, seeing or hearing things that are not real, or very rarely depression.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Pizotifen

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 18/02/2003