pizotifen malate at a glance
Medicine class
Preventive antimigraine treatment with serotonin- and histamine-blocking effects
Main role
Prevention of recurrent migraine with or without aura and cluster headache
Driving
Do not drive or use machinery if it causes drowsiness, dizziness or impaired alertness
Stopping treatment
Do not stop suddenly; withdrawal symptoms can occur
What is pizotifen malate used for?
UK-licensed uses represented by the selected product are:
Preventing recurrent migraine with aura or without aura
Preventing cluster headache
It is not licensed to relieve a migraine or cluster headache attack once it has started
How does pizotifen malate work?
Pizotifen blocks several chemical signals involved in headache pathways, particularly serotonin and histamine. Its preventive effect is thought to reduce changes in cranial blood vessels and pain-threshold mechanisms associated with recurrent headache. Its antihistamine activity also contributes to drowsiness and increased appetite.
pizotifen malate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 0.5 mg, 1.5 mg
How to take pizotifen malate
Take pizotifen exactly as directed on the dispensing label. Swallow the film-coated tablets whole, using a drink if helpful, and take it regularly for prevention rather than waiting for an attack. Do not stop it suddenly without discussing this with the prescriber.
Check the label carefully before taking it.
Alcohol can increase sleepiness and is best avoided.
The tablets contain lactose.
pizotifen malate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Constipation
Get urgent medical advice
- Face, lip or throat swelling, wheezing or breathing difficulty: possible serious allergic reaction
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or other symptoms suggesting liver injury
- Seizure
- Marked mood or behavioural changes, hallucinations or severe agitation
pizotifen malate in pregnancy
Information from fewer than 50 early-pregnancy exposures is available. No concerns have emerged, but the evidence is too limited to confirm safety, so pizotifen is generally avoided unless specialist assessment finds a compelling need. Anyone planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant while taking it should arrange an early medication review; exposure alone does not usually require extra monitoring for major birth defects beyond routine antenatal care.
pizotifen malate while breastfeeding
Small measured amounts in breast milk are considered unlikely to affect a breastfed infant, but the selected product's prescribing information does not recommend use while breastfeeding. Discuss alternatives and the benefits of breastfeeding with the prescriber before use.
pizotifen malate interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Pizotifen should not be used with MAOIs.
Alcohol
Alcohol's effects may be enhanced, increasing sleepiness and impaired alertness.
Tranquillisers and sleeping medicines
Sedation may become stronger or last longer.
Sedating antihistamines and some cold remedies
Combined use can increase and prolong drowsiness.
Common questions about pizotifen malate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does pizotifen malate stop a migraine that has already started?
No. It is a preventive treatment and is not effective for relieving an attack already in progress.
Can pizotifen malate make me sleepy?
Yes. Drowsiness, dizziness and fatigue are common; avoid driving or hazardous tasks if affected.
Does pizotifen malate cause weight gain?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.