uses
What is cyproheptadine used for?Cyproheptadine is commonly taken for the following conditions.Allergy symptoms, including nasal, eye, and skin reactionsRunny or stuffy nose not caused by allergies (nonallergic rhinitis)Certain types of allergic reactions, including reactions to blood or plasma transfusions, cold temperatures (cold urticaria), or anaphylaxisCyproheptadine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does cyproheptadine work (mechanism of action)?Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine.How is cyproheptadine supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesPeriactinDosage forms and strengths2 mg/5 mL oral syrup (oral solution)4 mg oral tabletsHow should I store cyproheptadine?Cyproheptadine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
how to use
liquid or tablet that is swallowed
drug interactions
Does cyproheptadine interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between cyproheptadine and foods or drinks.The risk of dizziness and drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking cyproheptadine.Does cyproheptadine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking cyproheptadine.A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s diseaseAny other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, medicines for anxiety, or allergy medicinesThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with cyproheptadine. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of cyproheptadine?The most common side effects of cyproheptadine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Drowsiness or tirednessFeeling off-balance, faint, or dizzyConfusionRestlessness, nervousness, or irritability (especially in children)Dry mouth, nose, or throatNausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipationThere may be other side effects of cyproheptadine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of cyproheptadine?While less common, the most serious side effects of cyproheptadine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Cyproheptadine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking cyproheptadine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painDecreased Alertness or Coordination. Cyproheptadine can affect your alertness or coordination. It can also cause blurry vision. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness, coordination, or clear vision until you know how cyproheptadine affects you.Seizures. Some people taking cyproheptadine have reported having convulsions, also known as seizures. This may be more common in children. There are many different types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking cyproheptadine and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movementsStiffening of your arms and legsFeeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dreadFeeling dizzy or lightheadedFalling or losing consciousnessInability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Cyproheptadine might make it harder to empty your bladder, especially if you already have a blockage. Stop taking cyproheptadine and call your health care provider right away if you are having trouble peeing or cannot empty your bladder.
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much cyproheptadine?If you or someone else has taken too much cyproheptadine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of cyproheptadine?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use cyproheptadine?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take cyproheptadine.CyproheptadinePeriactinAny other medicine known as a first-generation antihistamineAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cyproheptadine products they stock.Infants. Cyproheptadine should not be used in newborn or premature babies. This medicine can cause serious side effects in these infants.Breastfeeding. Do not take cyproheptadine if you are breastfeeding. You must either stop breastfeeding or stop cyproheptadine. See the Breastfeeding section for more details.Drug Interactions. Cyproheptadine should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking cyproheptadine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Glaucoma. You should not take cyproheptadine if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Cyproheptadine can make this condition worse.Gut Blockage. Cyproheptadine should not be used if you have a blockage of your gut (bowel obstruction) or a narrowing of the stomach or intestines. Cyproheptadine can make these conditions worse.Bladder Blockage. Cyproheptadine should not be used if you have a blockage in your bladder. Cyproheptadine can make this condition worse.Enlarged Prostate. Cyproheptadine should not be used if you have symptoms from an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Cyproheptadine can make these symptoms worse.Frailty or Weakness. Cyproheptadine should not be used in older people who are very weak, frail, or have low energy. This often includes people who are recovering from a serious health condition or have a long-term illness. Cyproheptadine can cause serious side effects in these people.What should I know about cyproheptadine before using it?Do not take cyproheptadine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.Do not share cyproheptadine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep cyproheptadine out of the reach of children.If you are taking cyproheptadine liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.Cyproheptadine can affect your alertness or coordination and may cause your vision to be blurry. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness, coordination, or clear vision until you know how cyproheptadine affects you.Cyproheptadine can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.People who are 65 and older or those younger than 18 can be at greater risk for some side effects from cyproheptadine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in these age groups.What should I tell my health care provider before using cyproheptadine?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if cyproheptadine is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Increased eye pressure or glaucomaBreathing or lung problems, including asthmaStomach or bowel problems, including ulcers or blockagesBladder or prostate problems, including a blockage or an enlarged prostateThyroid problemsHeart diseaseHigh blood pressureKidney problemsPregnancy. It is not known if or how cyproheptadine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take cyproheptadine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.Breastfeeding. Do not take cyproheptadine while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if cyproheptadine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop cyproheptadine.
about
Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine that is taken to reduce allergy symptoms and treat certain types of allergic reactions. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness, coordination, or clear vision until you know how cyproheptadine affects you. Call your health care provider right away if you are having trouble peeing or cannot empty your bladder while taking cyproheptadine.