Cyproheptadine
About
Cyproheptadine belongs to the class of medication called 'anti-allergic' and 'anti serotonin' drugs primarily used to treat symptoms of allergies such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, or watery eyes. Besides this, Cyproheptadine is also used to treat certain allergic skin conditions such as urticaria (nettle rash triggered by a reaction to the medicine, food, or other irritants) and angioedema (painless swelling under the skin). An allergy occurs when foreign elements known as allergens attack and invade our body, thereby causing histamine release (a chemical messenger) that causes swelling, inflammation, redness, itchiness, itchy/watery nose and throat, and watery eyes.
Cyproheptadine contains Cyproheptadine which works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and congestion or stiffness. Cyproheptadine has an appetite-stimulating effect and is used to stimulate hunger in patients suffering from appetite loss.
Take Cyproheptadine as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Cyproheptadine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. Some people may experience drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, restlessness, dry mouth, nose, or throat. Most of these side effects of Cyproheptadine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Cyproheptadine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Cyproheptadine should be used with caution in elderly patients due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Please consult a doctor before taking Cyproheptadine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cyproheptadine is not recommended for children below 2 years of age, as the safety and effectiveness were not established. Avoid using Cyproheptadine if you have taken medicines such as linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, and methylene blue injection in the past 14 days. Drive only if you are alert as Cyproheptadine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or low blood pressure. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Cyproheptadine as it may increase the risk of adverse effects.
Uses of Cyproheptadine
Medicinal Benefits
Cyproheptadine contains Cyproheptadine, an antihistamine (anti-allergic drug) used to treat symptoms of allergies. Cyproheptadine blocks the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and congestion or stiffness. Also, Cyproheptadine is used to treat certain allergic skin conditions such as urticaria (nettle rash triggered by a reaction to medicine, food or other irritants) and angioedema (painless swelling under the skin). Additionally, Cyproheptadine has an appetite-stimulating effect and is used to stimulate hunger in patients suffering from appetite loss.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cyproheptadine
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Restlessness
- Dry mouth, nose or throat
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Cyproheptadine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you have high blood pressure, narrow-angle glaucoma, asthma, stomach ulcer or blockage, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), enlarged prostate, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Cyproheptadine. Cyproheptadine should be used with caution in elderly patients due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Please consult a doctor before taking Cyproheptadine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cyproheptadine is not recommended for children below 2 years of age, as the safety and effectiveness were not established. Avoid using Cyproheptadine if you have taken medicines such as linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, and methylene blue injection in the past 14 days. Drive only if you are alert as Cyproheptadine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or low blood pressure. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Cyproheptadine as it may increase the risk of adverse effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Cyproheptadine may interact with anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine, cetirizine), antidepressants (duloxetine, fluoxetine), anticonvulsants (topiramate, pregabalin), antipsychotics (quetiapine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Do not use Cyproheptadine with alcohol and herbal antidepressant-like St John's Wort. Together, it increases the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness or difficulty in concentrating.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have high blood pressure, narrow-angle glaucoma, asthma, stomach ulcer or blockage, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), enlarged prostate, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Cyproheptadine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Cyproheptadine as it may increase the risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness or difficulty in concentrating. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Cyproheptadine.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedCyproheptadine is a category B pregnancy drug and is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks it is essential. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionCyproheptadine is given to breastfeeding women only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeCyproheptadine may cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure in elderly people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert and your vision is clear after taking Cyproheptadine.
Liver
cautionTake Cyproheptadine with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Cyproheptadine with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeCyproheptadine is not recommended for children below 2 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
- Eat plenty of foods rich in good bacteria like yoghurt to improve overall health.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Gargle with salt water for relief from sore throat.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol with Cyproheptadine as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use in children below 2 years of age.
- Prolonged use of Cyproheptadine may diminish mental alertness, so avoid driving a motor vehicle or performing a hazardous task after taking this medicine.
- If you have used any MAOs inhibitors antidepressant pills (like selegiline, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid) within the last 14 days, avoid using Cyproheptadine.
- Cyproheptadine should be used by people with asthma, glaucoma, thyroid disorder, and heart problems.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergies: It occurs when foreign elements known as allergens attack and invade our body, thereby causing the release of histamines. This chemical messenger 'histamines' causes swelling, inflammation, redness, itchiness, itchy/watery nose and throat, and watery eyes. Allergies generally occur due to chemicals, air pollution, pet danders, dust, pollen hairs, seasonal allergies like hay fever, etc.
FAQs
Cyproheptadine contains Cyproheptadine, an anti-allergic drug that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Thereby, helps to provide relief from symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling and congestion or stiffness.
Cyproheptadine may cause dry mouth as a temporary side effect in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking Cyproheptadine to experience this side effect. However, to avoid such side effects, drink plenty of water, regularly rinse your mouth, practice good oral hygiene and suck on sugarless candy. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
You are not recommended to take Cyproheptadine with topiramate (anticonvulsant) as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of adverse effects such as reduced sweating, increased body temperature. Heatstroke and hospitalization may occur in a few people, especially in hot weather and during vigorous exercise. However, please consult a doctor before taking Cyproheptadine with other medicines.
You are recommended to take Cyproheptadine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen with rash, fever or persistent headache after 1 week of using Cyproheptadine, please consult your doctor.
Cyproheptadine may be used to prevent and treat migraine headaches especially in children. Cyproheptadine reduces the intensity and frequency of headache. However, please consult a doctor before taking Cyproheptadine.
You are recommended to avoid taking Cyproheptadine if you have asthma, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, urinary problems, stomach ulcer or blockage. However, if you have any of these conditions, please inform your doctor before taking Cyproheptadine.
Cyproheptadine may be used to treat allergic reactions caused by insect bites. Cyproheptadine blocks the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Thereby, helps to provide relief from allergic symptoms. However, please consult a doctor before using Cyproheptadine.
