Cyproheptadine

Conditions Treated

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 will help relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of symptoms or speed recovery. 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.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

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/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

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.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

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

Are There Any Special Instructions

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; narcotic 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. talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking cyproheptadine if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take cyproheptadine because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition. 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. talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking this medication. Alcohol can make the side effects of cyproheptadine worse.