MedlinePlus Drug Information: Cyproheptadine

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Cyproheptadine

(si proe hep' ta deen)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Cyproheptadine relieves red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by allergies, irritants in the air, and hay fever. It may also be used to relieve the itching of allergic skin conditions, and to treat hives, including hives caused by exposure to cold temperatures and by rubbing the skin. Cyproheptadine is also sometimes used to treat allergic reactions in people who have received blood products as part of medical treatment and to treat life-threatening allergic reactions after the symptoms have been brought under control with other medications. Cyproheptadine should not be used to treat children younger than 2 years of age because it may cause serious or life-threatening side effects in young children. Cyproheptadine should be used carefully in children 2-11 years of age. Cyproheptadine will help relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of symptoms or speed recovery. Cyproheptadine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children. Cyproheptadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Cyproheptadine comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times a day. Take cyproheptadine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cyproheptadine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are using the solution, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. Use the measuring cup or spoon that came with the medication or use a spoon that is made especially for measuring medication.

Other uses for this medicine Return to top

Cyproheptadine also is used for the treatment of Cushing's Syndrome (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [corticosteroids]) and to treat certain types of headache such as migraine. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking cyproheptadine,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cyproheptadine, other antihistamines, or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: other medications for allergies or colds; medications for anxiety, depression or seizures; muscle relaxants; narcotics medications for pain; sedatives sleeping pills, and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, glaucoma (a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision), ulcers, difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland), heart disease, high blood pressure,seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cyproheptadine, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking cyproheptadine.
you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.

What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Cyproheptadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dry mouth, nose, and throat
drowsiness
dizziness
nausea
chest congestion
headache
excitement (especially in children)
muscle weakness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

difficulty urinating
vision problems
nervousness

Cyproheptadine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Periactin®

Last Revised - 03/01/2008
Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer