ElsevierDrugInformation

    Pitolisant Tablets

    Learn more about Elsevier’s Drug Patient Education today! Empower and engage your patients to use medication safely.

    Jul.17.2023

    Pitolisant Oral tablet

    What is this medication?

    PITOLISANT (pi TOL i sant) treats narcolepsy. It works by decreasing daytime sleepiness, which can help you sleep better at night. It also reduces the number of episodes of sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy).

    This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

    How should I use this medication?

    Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

    Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

    Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

    What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

    Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

    • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
    • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing

    Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

    • Anxiety, nervousness
    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Trouble sleeping
    This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Where should I keep my medication?

    Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

    Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

    To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

    • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
    • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
    NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

    What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

    They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

    • Heart disease
    • History of irregular heartbeat
    • Kidney disease
    • Liver disease
    • Low levels of potassium in the blood
    • Low levels of magnesium in the blood
    • An unusual or allergic reaction to pitolisant, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
    • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
    • Breastfeeding

    What may interact with this medication?

    Do not take this medication with any of the following:

    • Cisapride
    • Dronedarone
    • Pimozide
    • Thioridazine

    This medication may also interact with the following:

    • Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
    • Certain medications for irregular heartbeat, such as amiodarone, dofetilide, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine
    • Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
    • Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
    • Cyclosporine
    • Estrogen or progestin hormones
    • Midazolam
    • Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes
    • Promethazine
    • Rifampin
    • St. John's wort
    This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

    What if I miss a dose?

    If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

    What should I watch for while using this medication?

    Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

    Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

    Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. If you are using these hormones for contraception, talk to your care team about using a second type of contraception. A barrier contraceptive, such as a condom or diaphragm, is recommended.

    Small Elsevier Logo

    Cookies are used by this site. To decline or learn more, visit our cookie notice.


    Copyright © 2024 Elsevier, its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

    Small Elsevier Logo
    RELX Group