A once-daily, low-drowsiness antihistamine

Mizolastine

A once-daily, low-drowsiness antihistamine for hay fever and itchy rashes.

What is Mizolastine?

Mizolastine is a low-drowsiness (second-generation) antihistamine taken once a day for allergy symptoms such as hay fever and itchy skin rashes (urticaria). It blocks histamine, the chemical behind allergy symptoms. The tablet is swallowed whole.

Class: Antihistamines · Brands: Mizollen

Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Mizolastine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review
Class: Antihistamines → Brands: Mizollen
Mizolastine (Antihistamines) — Meds Global Health reference card with 2D molecular structure
Mizolastine — Antihistamines. The image shows the active ingredient's 2D molecular structure.

What it is

Mizolastine is a long-acting antihistamine that causes less drowsiness than older types. It is taken as a once-daily tablet for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and itchy skin conditions such as urticaria.

How it works

Mizolastine blocks histamine H1 receptors. Histamine is released during allergic reactions and causes sneezing, a runny nose, itching, and hives, so blocking it relieves these symptoms.

Company & origin

Originated / developed by: Originally developed by Sanofi..

Introduced as a second-generation, longer-acting antihistamine.

What it treats

Conditions Mizolastine is used for

Hay fever & allergic rhinitisAn allergic reaction in the nose causing sneezing, itching, a runny or blocked nose and it…

Practical use

How to take Mizolastine

General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.

  • Take it once a day, at around the same time.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew it.
  • It can be taken with or without food.
  • Avoid alcohol if it makes you drowsy.
  • Do not take it with certain heart-rhythm or interacting medicines (check first).
  • Take only as directed and avoid doubling up if you miss a dose.

Weighing it up

Advantages & disadvantages of Mizolastine

Advantages

  • Once-daily dosing is simple and convenient.
  • Causes less drowsiness than older antihistamines.
  • Effective for both hay fever and itchy skin rashes.
  • Works steadily over the day for ongoing symptoms.

Disadvantages

  • Can still cause some drowsiness in certain people.
  • Has a small effect on heart rhythm, so some drugs must be avoided.
  • Should be avoided in significant heart, liver, or rhythm problems.
  • Not suitable alongside certain interacting medicines.

Practical use

Good to know

It is taken once a day and the tablet should be swallowed whole rather than chewed. Although it is described as non-drowsy, it can still make some people sleepy, and it has a small effect on heart rhythm, so certain other medicines should be avoided.

Who should not take it / use with caution

  • People with significant heart disease or a heart-rhythm problem (such as a long QT interval).
  • Those with significant liver problems.
  • Anyone taking medicines known to interact and affect heart rhythm.
  • Anyone allergic to mizolastine.

Monitoring

  • No routine monitoring is usually needed for most people.
  • Caution and review where there are heart-rhythm or liver concerns.
  • Review if drowsiness affects daily activities such as driving.

Side effects

  • Some drowsiness or tiredness.
  • Headache.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Rarely, changes in heart rhythm.

Key interactions

  • Avoid with certain antibiotics and antifungals that can affect heart rhythm.
  • Other medicines that prolong the QT interval should be avoided.
  • Alcohol and other sedating medicines can add to drowsiness.

Available as: Tablets.

Answers

Mizolastine: frequently asked questions

Is mizolastine really non-drowsy?

It is a second-generation antihistamine and causes less drowsiness than older types, but some people can still feel sleepy. See how it affects you before driving.

Can I chew the tablet?

No. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water so it is released properly, rather than chewed or crushed.

Why are some medicines not allowed with it?

Mizolastine has a small effect on heart rhythm, so combining it with certain antibiotics, antifungals, or other rhythm-affecting drugs is avoided.

Can I take it for itchy skin rashes?

Yes, it is used for hay fever and for itchy skin conditions such as urticaria (hives). It works by blocking histamine.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

Alcohol can add to any drowsiness, so it is best to be cautious or avoid it, especially when you first start taking it.

The wider class

About Antihistamines

Mizolastine belongs to the antihistamines class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.

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Authoritative sources

  • BNF
  • NICE CKS

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