Drug Action
Pitolisant is a histamine H3-receptor antagonist which enhances the activity of brain histaminergic neurons.
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Drug reference
Pitolisant is a histamine H3-receptor antagonist which enhances the activity of brain histaminergic neurons.
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Narcolepsy with or without cataplexy (initiated by a specialist) ▶BY MOUTH ▶Adult: Initially 9 mg once daily for 1 week, then increased if necessary to 18 mg once daily for 1 week, then increased if necessary to 36 mg once daily, dose to be taken in the morning with breakfast, dose can be decreased (down to 4.5 mg per day) or increased (up to 36 mg per day) according to response and tolerance
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Acid-related gastric disorders. epilepsy. history of psychiatric disorders. severe anorexia. severe obesity
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→Appendix 1: pitolisant
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▶Common or very common Anxiety. asthenia. depression. dizziness. gastrointestinal discomfort. headaches. mood altered. nausea. sleep disorders. tremor. vertigo. vomiting ▶Uncommon Appetite abnormal. arrhythmias. arthralgia. blepharospasm. chest pain. concentration impaired. constipation. diarrhoea. drowsiness. dry mouth. epilepsy . feeling abnormal. fluid retention. gastrointestinal disorders. hallucinations. hot flush. hypertension. hypotension. malaise. metrorrhagia. movement disorders . muscle complaints. muscle weakness. oedema. on and off phenomenon. oral paraesthesia. pain. paraesthesia. QT interval prolongation. sexual dysfunction. skin reactions. sweat changes. tinnitus. urinary frequency increased. visual acuity decreased. weight decreased (review treatment if significant). weight increased (review treatment if significant). yawning ▶Rare or very rare Behaviour abnormal. cognitive impairment. confusion. loss of consciousness. memory loss. obsessive thoughts. photosensitivity reaction. sense of oppression. swallowing difficulty
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Manufacturer advises effective contraception in women of childbearing potential for at least 21 days after treatment discontinuation— pitolisant may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
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Manufacturer advises avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk—toxicity in animal studies.
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Manufacturer advises avoid—present in milk in animal studies.
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Manufacturer advises caution in moderate impairment; avoid in severe impairment. Dose adjustments Manufacturer advises consider dose increase two weeks after initiation in moderate impairment; maximum daily dose of 18 mg.
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Dose adjustments Manufacturer advises use with caution; maximum daily dose should not exceed 18 mg.
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Tablet ▶Wakix (Lincoln Medical Ltd) A Pitolisant (as Pitolisant hydrochloride) 4.5 mg Wakix 4.5mg tablets | 30 tablet P £310.00 DT = £310.00 Pitolisant (as Pitolisant hydrochloride) 18 mg Wakix 18mg tablets | 30 tablet P £310.00 DT = £310.00 CNS STIMULANTS › CENTRALLY ACTING SYMPATHOMIMETICS
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Initially 9 mg once daily for 1 week, then
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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