Legal Classification of Medication
POM
Pizotifen can only be obtained in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner and therefore the legal status of the medication is prescription only medication (POM).
Formulations
Pizotifen is available as tablets and as an elixir. The strengths available for both preparations are:
Class of drug
Pizotifen is an antihistamine and a serotonin antagonist.
Indications
Is used in the prevention of migraine.
How does it work?
Migraine occurs when the body produces chemicals called serotonin and antihistamine. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters cause changes in the blood vessels of the brain causing the blood vessels to become narrow or dilated. Pizotifen blocks the action of these neurotransmitters therefore preventing migraine attacks.
How is it taken?
Pizotifen is taken as a single tablet starting at the lowest dose at night. The dose can be gradually increased to 1.5mg at night or taken in three divided doses.
Pregnancy and Breast feeding
Pizotifen is not recommended in pregnancy and breast feeding as adequate clinical trials have not taken place to prove their safety.
Contra-indications
No known contra-indication with the use of pizotifen.
Side-effects
