What is Cyproheptadine?
Cyproheptadine is a medicine that helps in relieving redness, irritation, itchiness, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose that are caused by allergies, air irritants, 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 skin rubbing. Cyproheptadine is also sometimes used for the treatment of allergic reactions in people who face bleeding while using any other medical products as part of medical treatment and to treat life-threatening allergic reactions after symptoms have been controlled by other medicines.
Uses
Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine that is used for relieving allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that is produced by your body during an allergic reaction. This medicine also blocks another natural substance in your body (serotonin). This medicine should not be used in newborns or preterm infants.
How to use Cyproheptadine HCL
Take this medicine by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day. If you are using this medicine in the liquid form, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device or spoon. Never use a household spoon because you might not have the correct dose using it.
The dose is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, the dose may also be based on weight and body size. Never increase your dose or take this medicine more often than directed. Tell your doctor if your condition is not improving or if it is getting worse.
Cyproheptadine Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Cyproheptadine are:
- Lightheadedness
- Tremor
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Little or no urination
- Fast heartbeats
- Easy bruising
- Bleeding
- Ringing in your ears
- Pale or yellowed skin
- Dark- colored urine
- Fever
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dry nose or throat
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Restless
Precautions
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to cyproheptadine; or if you have any other allergies. This product might have some inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Please talk to your doctor.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, in particular: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema), high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, seizures, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, blockage), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate).
- This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzy or drowsy. Evite alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are taking marijuana (cannabis).
- Liquid products may contain alcohol or sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to reduce or avoid these substances in your diet.
- Children might be at major risk to get the side effects of this drug. This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead of somnolence.
- Elderly people or senior citizen adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially somnolence, dizziness, constipation, confusion, or difficulty urinating. Sleepiness, dizziness, and confusion may increase the risk of falling.
- This medicine should only be used during pregnancy when urgently needed. Consult your doctor.
- It is not known if this medicine is passed into breast milk or not. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Interactions
Check the prescription guide of your medicines (such as allergies or cough and cold medicines) because they may contain ingredients that cause somnolence. Ask your pharmacist for the safe use of these products.
Do not use any other drug which contains antihistamine, applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, any ointment, spray) as increased side effects may occur.
This medicine might interfere with the results of certain laboratory tests (including allergy skin tests, metyrapone tests) that may result in false test results. Make sure your laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you're using this drug.
Cyproheptadine vs Diphenhydramine
Cyproheptadine |
Diphenhydramine |
|---|---|
| Cyproheptadine is a first-generation antihistamine | Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is mainly used in the treatment of allergies. |
| Formula: C21H21N | Formula: C17H21NO |
| brand name Periactin | Diphenhydramine is a brand-name of Benadryl |
| Cyproheptadine helps to relieve redness, irritation, itchiness, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose caused by allergies, air irritants, and hay fever. | Diphenhydramine used for insomnia, symptoms of the common cold, tremor in parkinsonism, and nausea. |
