General Information on Pitolisant

Generic Name : Pitolisant
Pronunciation : pi TOL i sant

Latest prescription information about Pitolisant. Learn how to pronounce the drug's name, its indications, dosage, when to take, when not to take, side effects, warnings and its storage instructions . Also listed are the Indian trade name(s) of the drug and its price list.

Trade Names/Brand Names of Pitolisant

Wakix

Overview of Pitolisant

Pitolisant is used for treating excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults with narcolepsy.

Why is Pitolisant Prescribed? (Indications)

Pitolisant is prescribed for treating excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults with narcolepsy.
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder in which there are overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep.

When should Pitolisant not be taken? (Contraindications)

1. Hypersensitivity to Pitolisant
2. Severe liver disorders

What is the dosage of Pitolisant?

The recommended dose is 17.8 mg to 35.6 mg daily to be administered daily once in the morning.
Start with 8.9 mg once daily and increase the dosage to 17.8 mg once daily.
The maximum dose is 35.6 mg once daily

Missed a Dose?

In case of missing the dose, patients should take the next dose the next day in the morning immediately after awakening.

What are the side effects of Pitolisant?

1. General: Headache, anxiety, Insomnia
2. Gastrointestinal: Nausea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite
3. Skin: Rash
4. Respiratory: Upper respiratory tract infection
5. Vascular: Increased heart rate
6. Muscles and Joints: Muscle pain
7. Miscellaneous: Hallucinations, irritability etc.

What are the other precautions for Pitolisant?

Patients should use caution if they have -
1. Abnormal ECG like more QT interval (heart problems)
2. Abnormal heart rhythm
3. In moderate liver impairment, initiate the drug at 8.9 mg once daily and increase after 14 days to a maximum dosage of 17.8 mg once daily
4. If one contraception they should use an alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method during treatment and for at least 21 days after stopping treatment with Pitolisant.

What are the Drug Interactions of Pitolisant?

Pitolisant will interact with the following drugs:
1. Paroxetine, Fluoxetine, Bupropion
2. Rifampin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin
3. Pheniramine Maleate, Diphenhydramine, Promethazine
4. Imipramine, Clomipramine, Mirtazapine
5. Quinidine, Procainamide, Disopyramide, Amiodarone, Sotalol
6. Ziprasidone, Chlorpromazine, Thioridazine
7. Antibiotics: Moxifloxacin
8. Midazolam, Hormonal Contraceptives, Cyclosporine.