Friday, 30 March 2012

cyproheptadine



Generic Name: cyproheptadine (SIP roe HEP ta deen)

Brand Names: Periactin


What is cyproheptadine?

Cyproheptadine an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose


Cyproheptadine is used to treat sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms of allergies.


Cyproheptadine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about cyproheptadine?


Always ask a doctor before giving a cold or allergy medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cold and allergy medicines in very young children. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cyproheptadine, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a stomach ulcer or obstruction, an enlarged prostate or urination problems, if you are having an asthma attack, or if you are elderly or have a debilitating disease.

Before taking cyproheptadine, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, a history of asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, or an overactive thyroid.


Cyproheptadine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of cyproheptadine.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cyproheptadine?


Do not use cyproheptadine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. You should not use cyproheptadine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • narrow-angle glaucoma;




  • a stomach ulcer or obstruction;




  • an enlarged prostate or urination problems;




  • if you are having an asthma attack; or




  • if you are elderly or have a debilitating disease.



To make sure you can safely take cyproheptadine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:



  • glaucoma;




  • a history of asthma;




  • high blood pressure;




  • heart disease; or




  • an overactive thyroid.




FDA pregnancy category B. Cyproheptadine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether cyproheptadine passes into breast milk, but if it does it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication while you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take cyproheptadine?


Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.


Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cold or allergy medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cold and allergy medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.


Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

See also: Cyproheptadine dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?


Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, very dry mouth, dilated pupils, pale skin, vomiting, or fainting.


What should I avoid while taking cyproheptadine?


Cyproheptadine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase some of the side effects of cyproheptadine.

Cyproheptadine side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking cyproheptadine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;




  • seizure (convulsions);




  • ringing in your ears;




  • feeling like you might pass out;




  • fast or pounding heartbeats;




  • easy bruising or bleeding;




  • urinating less than usual or not at all; or




  • pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, or unusual weakness.



Less serious side effects may include:



  • mild drowsiness, dizziness, or spinning sensation;




  • feeling restlessness or excited (especially in children);




  • sleep problems (insomnia), tired feeling;




  • numbness or tingly feeling;




  • increased sweating or urination;




  • blurred vision;




  • appetite changes;




  • dry mouth or nose, upset stomach; or




  • nausea, diarrhea, constipation.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


Cyproheptadine Dosing Information


Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Reaction:

Initial dose: 4 mg orally three times a day
Maintenance dose: 12 to 16 mg/day, occasionally up to 32 mg/day but not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Initial dose: 4 mg orally three times a day
Maintenance dose: 12 to 16 mg/day, occasionally up to 32 mg/day but not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Pruritus:

Initial dose: 4 mg orally three times a day
Maintenance dose: 12 to 16 mg/day, occasionally up to 32 mg/day but not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:

Initial dose: 4 mg orally three times a day
Maintenance dose: 12 to 16 mg/day, occasionally up to 32 mg/day but not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Anorexia Nervosa:

Initial dose: 2 mg orally four times a day
Maintenance dose: may increase gradually over 3 weeks to 8 mg orally four times a day

Usual Adult Dose for Cushing's Syndrome:

Initial dose: 2 mg orally four times a day
Maintenance dose: may increase gradually over 3 weeks to 8 mg orally four times a day

Usual Adult Dose for Cluster Headache:

4 mg orally four times a day

Usual Adult Dose for Migraine:

4 to 8 mg orally three times a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Reaction:

0.25 mg/kg/day or 8 mg/m2 body surface area in 2 to 3 divided doses, or by age as follows:

2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 12 mg/day

7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 16 mg/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

0.25 mg/kg/day or 8 mg/m2 body surface area in 2 to 3 divided doses, or by age as follows:

2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 12 mg/day

7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 16 mg/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pruritus:

0.25 mg/kg/day or 8 mg/m2 body surface area in 2 to 3 divided doses, or by age as follows:

2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 12 mg/day

7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 16 mg/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:

0.25 mg/kg/day or 8 mg/m2 body surface area in 2 to 3 divided doses, or by age as follows:

2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 12 mg/day

7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 16 mg/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Anorexia:

> 13 years: 2 mg orally 4 times a day. May be increased gradually over a 3 week period to 8 mg 4 times a day. Maximum dose is 32 mg/day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Migraine:

4 mg orally two to three times a day


What other drugs will affect cyproheptadine?


Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by cyproheptadine. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other antihistamine.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with cyproheptadine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More cyproheptadine resources


  • Cyproheptadine Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Cyproheptadine Dosage
  • Cyproheptadine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Cyproheptadine Drug Interactions
  • Cyproheptadine Support Group
  • 20 Reviews for Cyproheptadine - Add your own review/rating


  • Cyproheptadine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Cyproheptadine Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)



Compare cyproheptadine with other medications


  • Allergic Reactions
  • Anorexia
  • Anorexia Nervosa
  • Cluster Headaches
  • Cushing's Syndrome
  • Failure to Thrive
  • Hay Fever
  • Migraine
  • Pruritus
  • Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced
  • Urticaria


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about cyproheptadine.

See also: cyproheptadine side effects (in more detail)


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