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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What does cyproheptadine look like?
Cyproheptadine 4 mg-IVA
Cyproheptadine 4 mg-BAR
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cyproheptadine?
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; or
if you are elderly or have a debilitating disease.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to
safely use this medication:
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.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication
How should I take cyproheptadine?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or
for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
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 cyproheptadine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose of cyproheptadine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about cyproheptadine?
Your pharmacist has information about cyproheptadine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of cyproheptadine?
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;
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;
restlessness or excitability (especially in children);
sleep problems (insomnia), tired feeling;
numbness or tingly feeling;
increased sweating or urination;
blurred vision;
dry mouth or nose, upset stomach, loss of appetite; 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.
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, 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 can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cyproheptadine.
What should I avoid while taking cyproheptadine?
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cyproheptadine.
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.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially an MAO inhibitor such as:
isocarboxazid (Marplan);
phenelzine (Nardil);
rasagiline (Azilect);
selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam); or
tranylcypromine (Parnate).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
cyproheptadine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications,
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of cyproheptadine?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009