Friday 28 September 2012

Cyproheptadine



Pronunciation: SYE-proe-HEP-ta-deen
Generic Name: Cyproheptadine
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.


Cyproheptadine is used for:

Treating symptoms of allergic reactions (eg, caused by seasonal allergies, food, blood or plasma). It is also used to treat mild, uncomplicated hives. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine to reduce allergy symptoms.


Do NOT use Cyproheptadine if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Cyproheptadine

  • you are breast-feeding

  • the patient is a newborn baby or premature infant

  • you are elderly and in poor health

  • you have narrow-angle glaucoma; a peptic ulcer; an enlarged prostate; or bladder, stomach, or bowel blockage

  • you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) or you have taken an MAOI within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Cyproheptadine:


Some medical conditions may interact with Cyproheptadine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have a history of asthma; bladder, stomach, or bowel blockage; glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye; difficulty urinating; prostate problems; kidney problems; overactive thyroid; heart problems; high blood pressure; or seizures

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cyproheptadine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • MAOIs (eg, phenelzine) because they may increase the risk of Cyproheptadine's side effects

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Cyproheptadine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cyproheptadine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Cyproheptadine:


Use Cyproheptadine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Take Cyproheptadine by mouth with or without food.

  • If you miss a dose of Cyproheptadine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cyproheptadine.



Important safety information:


  • Cyproheptadine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cyproheptadine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

  • Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Cyproheptadine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

  • Cyproheptadine may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Cyproheptadine. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

  • Cyproheptadine may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Cyproheptadine for a few days before the tests.

  • Use Cyproheptadine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, drowsiness, and low blood pressure.

  • Caution is advised when using Cyproheptadine in CHILDREN; they be more sensitive to its effects, especially excitability.

  • Cyproheptadine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

  • Cyproheptadine should not be used in NEWBORNS and PREMATURE INFANTS; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cyproheptadine while you are pregnant. It is not known if Cyproheptadine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cyproheptadine.


Possible side effects of Cyproheptadine:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, or nose; excitability; nausea; nervousness; restlessness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, tiredness, or weakness; severe or persistent loss of appetite; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; tremor; trouble urinating; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual back or stomach pain; yellowing of the eyes or skin.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Cyproheptadine side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dilated pupils; flushing; hallucinations; overexcitement; seizures; severe drowsiness; severe dry mouth; vomiting.


Proper storage of Cyproheptadine:

Store Cyproheptadine at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cyproheptadine out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Cyproheptadine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Cyproheptadine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Cyproheptadine. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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 Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • cyproheptadine Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)

  • 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

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