How does it work?

Mizolastine belongs to a group of medicines called non-sedating antihistamines. Histamine is a chemical produced by the body. It is stored in cells (mast cells) in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (an allergen e.g. flower pollen), the mast cells release their stores of histamine. Histamine may then bind to receptors (H-1 receptors) in many areas of the body causing an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response. This stimulates the symptoms of an allergic reaction such as inflammation of the skin, airways or tissues, rashes, itching of the skin, eyes or nose, nasal congestion or narrowing of the airways. Mizolastine acts by blocking the binding of histamine to receptors in the body. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells. By blocking the binding of histamine, the release of other chemicals and increased blood supply to the area is prevented or decreased. This results in prevention or relief of the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction. Histamine may be released from and act in a small (localised) area of the body e.g the nose. Alternatively, histamine can result in a serious or complete body reaction e.g. anaphylactic reaction. Mizolastine is only useful for the prevention or relief of localised or less serious allergies such as hay fever or itchy rash (rather than very serious allergic reactions). Mizolastine is called a non-sedating anti-histamine as it does not enter the brain in significant quantities and is therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness. However, drowsiness may very rarely occur.

What is it used for?

Allergic, itchy skin rash

Inflammation of the nasal lining and surface of the eye(s) due to allergies occurring only in particular seasons of the year

Inflammation of the nasal lining and surface of the eye(s) occurring year-round due to allergies

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Use with caution in

Diabetes

Elderly people

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Children under 12 years of age

Heart disease

History of symptomatic irregular heart beats (symptomatic arrhythmias)

Imbalance of the salts in the blood, particularly low blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia)

Individuals with known or suspected QT prolongation

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Pregnancy

Significantly decreased liver function

Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

No safety information is available in pregnancy. Avoid use in pregnancy particularly during the first trimester. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The manufacturer does not recommend the use of this medicine when breastfeeding, as there is no safety information available. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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