Record Status This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database. Citation NIHR HSRIC. Pitolisant hydrochloride for obstructive sleep apnoea. Birmingham: NIHR Horizon Scanning Research&Intelligence Centre. Horizon Scanning Review. 2016 Authors' conclusions Obstructive sleep apnoea is caused by a repetitive relaxing of the throat muscles during sleep which leads to the airway becoming repeatedly blocked off. Difficulties in breathing during the night causes patients to wake up suddenly, have an interrupted nights' sleep, and feel sleepy during the daytime. Obstructive sleep apnoea is often linked to being overweight, smoking, drugs, drinking alcohol, and a poor sleeping routine. However, if changing these factors does not improve symptoms, patients may be advised to use a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine at night time, but not all patients are able to tolerate CPAP therapy.
Pitolisant hydrochloride is a new drug that may improve daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. It is taken once daily as a tablet. Pitolisant hydrochloride is currently being studied to see how well it works and whether it is safe to use in people with obstructive sleep apnoea.
If pitolisant hydrochloride drug licensed for use in the UK, it would be the first drug for obstructive sleep apnoea that could be taken as a tablet. It could be particularly helpful for people who still suffer excessive daytime sleepiness despite CPAP therapy, or for patients who do not wish to use a CPAP machine. Indexing Status Subject indexing assigned by CRD MeSH Humans; Piperidines; Polysomnography; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive Language Published English Country of organisation England English summary An English language summary is available. Address for correspondence NIHR Horizon Scanning Research&Intelligence Centre, University of Birmingham, Institute of Applied Health Research, Public Health building, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT
Tel: 0121 414 9077 Email: nihrhsc@contacts.bham.ac.uk AccessionNumber 32016000533 Date abstract record published 15/03/2016 |