Pizotifen is a tricyclic compound having antiserotoninergic and antihistaminergic effects together with a weak anticholinergic action, but a little or no activity on kinins or their liberators. At low concentrations, Pizotifen may potentiate the actions of serotonin.

Description

Presentation

    Zofen Tablet: Each film coated tablet contains Pizotifen Malate BP equivalent to Pizotifen 0.5 mg.
    Zofen TS Tablet: Each film coated tablet contains Pizotifen Malate BP equivalent to Pizotifen 1.5 mg.

Indications

    As prophylactic treatment of migraine.
    In appetite loss of somatic or psychogenic origin in underweight patients.
    As an adjuvant to treatment of the underlying condition, such as infectious or parasitic diseases (including during convalescence), chronic diarrhoea, anorexia nervosa.
    Depressive states in the elderly and mood disturbances in the elderly.

Dosage & Administration

    For migraine: 1.5mg at night or 0.5 mg three times daily, adjusted according to response within the usual range 0.5-3 mg daily, maximum single dose 3 mg, maximum daily does 4.5 mg.
    Appetite loss:
    Children: Low starting doses, gradually increasing to a mean maintenance dosage of 0.025mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses, or as directed by the physician.
    Adults: Starting dose of 0.5 mg/day, gradually increasing to 0.5 mg three times daily.
    Mood disturbances in the elderly: A starting of 0.5 mg/day is recommended increasing-preferably in steps of 0.5 mg daily until the optimum level is reached. Doses upto 12 mg/day are well tolerated.

Contrainidications

    Hypersensitivity to Pizotifen and children under 2 years of age. Pizotifen should not be administered in the presence of narrow-angle glaucoma or prostate hypertrophy.

Warning & Precautions

    Urinary retention, renal impairment, pregnancy and breast-feeding should be taken in consideration. Drowsiness may affect the performance of skilled task (e.g. driving), effect of alcohol is enhanced.

Side effects

    Antimuscarinic effects- drowsiness, increased appetite, weight gain. Occasionally nausea, dizziness, CNS stimulation, may occur in children.

Drug interaction

    Tolerance to alcohol may be lowered. Pizotifen may increase and prolong the drowsiness that occurs as an adverse effect of concurrently use of tranquilizers, hypnotics and anti-depressants. Pizotifen should not be used in patients receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

Use in special groups

    Use in pregnancy: Information of using Pizotifen in pregnancy is limited, although no ill effects have been reported. The drug should therefore only be given during pregnancy if the potential benefit to mother justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
    Use in lactation: The safety of Pizotifen during lactation has not been established, so mothers should avoid taking it when breast feeding.

Packing

    Zofen Tablet: Each box contains 60's tablets in blister pack.
    Zofen TS Tablet: Each box contains 50's tablets in blister pack.