Mizollen

Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defence mechanisms. It is stored in cells called mast cells, in almost all tissues of the body. When the body reacts to a foreign substance (known as an allergen, eg flower pollen), the mast cells stimulated by the allergen release their stores of histamine.

The released histamine then binds to its receptors (H1 receptors), causing a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms. It causes an increase in blood flow to the area of the allergy, and the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response.

All this results in the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In hayfever, histamine causes inflammation of the nose, eyes, skin or airways and results in itchy watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. In skin allergies, histamine causes inflammation of the skin and results in an itchy rash, swelling and hives, called nettle rash or urticaria.

Mizolastine works by blocking histamine H1 receptors. It does not prevent the actual release of histamine from mast cells, but prevents it binding to its receptors. This in turn prevents the release of other allergy chemicals and increased blood supply to the area, and provides relief from the typical symptoms of hayfever and nettle rash.

Mizolastine is called a non-sedating antihistamine because it does not enter the brain and is therefore unlikely to cause drowsiness. However, people react differently to medicines and some people may experience some drowsiness.

Mizollen tablets are modified release tablets. They are designed to release the mizolastine slowly and continuously over a few hours to help provide steady blood levels of the medicine throughout the day. These tablets must be swallowed whole and not broken, chewed or crushed to avoid damaging the modified release action.

What is it used for?

- Allergic, itchy skin rash
- Inflammation of the nose and eyes due to hayfever
- Inflammation of the nose and eyes that occurs throughout the year due to allergies, eg pets, dust mites

Warning!

- This medicine is unlikely to cause drowsiness. However, people react to medicines in different ways, so you should make sure you are aware of how you react to this medicine before performing potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinary.
- If you are due to have any skin prick tests to diagnose allergies you should stop taking your antihistamines at least 48 hours before the tests. This is because antihistamines can prevent or lessen the skin reactions that indicate an allergy, and so can make the test results unreliable.

Use with caution in

- Elderly people
- Diabetes.

Not to be used in

- Children under 12 years of age
- Significantly decreased liver function
- Significant heart disease
- History of irregular heart beats (arrhythmias) that cause symptoms
- A type of abnormal heart rhythm, seen on a heart monitoring trace as a 'prolonged QT interval'
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Imbalance of the salts (electrolytes) in the blood, particularly low blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia)
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption (Mizollen tablets contain lactose).

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.

- The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. It should be avoided during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. It is not recommended for use by women who are breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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