Mizolastine tablets

About mizolastine

Mizolastine is an anti-allergy medicine. It stops the effects of a substance called histamine and this helps to relieve the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever and urticaria.

Exposure to substances such as pollen, animal fur or house dust mite can cause your body to produce allergic symptoms. Cells in the lining of your nose release histamine when they come into contact with these substances. This leads to inflammation (rhinitis), which produces symptoms such as sneezing and a runny or blocked nose.

Urticaria is a condition where an itchy skin rash develops. The rash may be triggered by an allergy or it can be caused by some other factor which may not be known.

Before taking mizolastine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking mizolastine it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have a heart condition or an abnormal heart rhythm.

• If you have epilepsy.

• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another antihistamine, or to any other medicine.

How to take mizolastine

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about mizolastine, and will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• The usual dose for adults and children over 12 years, is one tablet (10 mg) daily. Swallow the tablet whole (without chewing or crushing it) with a drink of water.

• You can take mizolastine at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember, but try to take your doses at the same time of day each day. You can take the tablet either before or after a meal.

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the following day then leave out the forgotten dose from the previous day and take the dose that is due as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• Many people only need to take an antihistamine when they have symptoms. Unless you are told otherwise, you should stop taking mizolastine once your symptoms have eased.

• Although mizolastine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, it can still cause drowsiness in a few people. If this happens to you, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.

• If you drink alcohol while you are on mizolastine, be aware of its effects on you and do not drink more than moderate amounts. Alcohol can increase the risk of side-effects from antihistamines.

• If you are having an operation, or any treatment or tests (particularly if it is to test for an allergy), make sure you say that you are taking an antihistamine.

• If you buy any medicines 'over the counter', check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with an antihistamine. This is because a number of other medicines can increase the risk of side-effects.

Can mizolastine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones associated with mizolastine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store mizolastine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines