Indications of Pifen 1.5 mg
Pifen 1.5 mg is indicated as prophylactic treatment of vascular headache of migraine type such as classical migraine, common migraine and cluster headache. It is not effective in relieving migraine attacks once in progress.
Theropeutic Class
Anti-histamine Preparations, Other drugs for migraine
Pharmacology
Pifen 1.5 mg works by inhibiting the peripheral actions of serotonin and histamine in increasing the membrane permeability of cranial vessels and transudation of plasmakinin, while altering pain thresholds in migraines. By blocking 5-HT receptors, Pifen 1.5 mg attenuates the signalling of serotonin in causing cranial vasoconstriction, as well as serotonin-enhanced platelet function and aggregation. There is evidence that it also inhibits the peripheral actions of bradykinin. Pifen 1.5 mg may inhibit serotonin reuptake by blood platelets, which affects the tonicity and decreases passive distension of extracranial arteries. The effects of Pifen 1.5 mg leading to appetite stimulation may be due to the drug acting at the metabolic level rather than a direct stimulation of the appetite centre.
Dosage & Administration of Pifen 1.5 mg
Adults: Usually 1.5 mg daily. This may be taken as a single dose at night or in three divided doses. Dosage should be adjusted to the individual patient requirements up to a maximum of 4.5 mg daily. Up to 3 mg may be given as a single dose.Children (aged over 2 years): Up to 1.5 mg daily, usually as a divided dose, although up to 1 mg has been given as a single dose at night.
Dosage of Pifen 1.5 mg
Adults: Usually 1.5 mg daily. This may be taken as a single dose at night or in three divided doses. Dosage should be adjusted to the individual patient requirements up to a maximum of 4.5 mg daily. Up to 3 mg may be given as a single dose.Children (aged over 2 years): Up to 1.5 mg daily, usually as a divided dose, although up to 1 mg has been given as a single dose at night.
Interaction of Pifen 1.5 mg
The central effects of sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamines (including certain common cold preparations) and alcohol may be enhanced by Pifen 1.5 mg. Pifen 1.5 mg antagonizes the hypotensive effect of adrenergic neurone blockers.
Contraindications
Pifen 1.5 mg is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.
Side Effects of Pifen 1.5 mg
The most common side effects are appetite stimulating effect, increase in body weight and drowsiness.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Information of using Pifen 1.5 mg in pregnancy is limited, although no ill effects have been reported. The drug should therefore only be given during pregnancy if the potential benefit to mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The safety of Pifen 1.5 mg during lactation has not been established, so mothers should avoid taking it when breast feeding.
Precautions & Warnings
Urinary retention, renal impairment should be taken in consideration. Drowsiness may affect the performance driving vehicles & operation of machineries. Pifen 1.5 mg enhances the action of alcohol.
Storage Conditions
Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.
Drug Classes
Anti-histamine Preparations, Other drugs for migraine
Mode Of Action
Pifen 1.5 mg works by inhibiting the peripheral actions of serotonin and histamine in increasing the membrane permeability of cranial vessels and transudation of plasmakinin, while altering pain thresholds in migraines. By blocking 5-HT receptors, Pifen 1.5 mg attenuates the signalling of serotonin in causing cranial vasoconstriction, as well as serotonin-enhanced platelet function and aggregation. There is evidence that it also inhibits the peripheral actions of bradykinin. Pifen 1.5 mg may inhibit serotonin reuptake by blood platelets, which affects the tonicity and decreases passive distension of extracranial arteries. The effects of Pifen 1.5 mg leading to appetite stimulation may be due to the drug acting at the metabolic level rather than a direct stimulation of the appetite centre.
Pregnancy
Information of using Pifen 1.5 mg in pregnancy is limited, although no ill effects have been reported. The drug should therefore only be given during pregnancy if the potential benefit to mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The safety of Pifen 1.5 mg during lactation has not been established, so mothers should avoid taking it when breast feeding.