Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Periactin

Generic Name: cyproheptadine (Pronunciation: SIP roe HEP ta deen)

• What is cyproheptadine (Periactin)?
• What are the possible side effects of cyproheptadine (Periactin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about cyproheptadine (Periactin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cyproheptadine (Periactin)?
• How should I take cyproheptadine (Periactin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Periactin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Periactin)?
• What should I avoid while taking cyproheptadine (Periactin)?
• What other drugs will affect cyproheptadine (Periactin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is cyproheptadine (Periactin)?

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.

Cyproheptadine 4 mg-BAR

round, white, imprinted with SL 314

Cyproheptadine 4 mg-IVA

round, white, imprinted with Z 2929

Periactin 4 mg

round, white, imprinted with PERIACTIN, MSD 62

What are the possible side effects of cyproheptadine (Periactin)?

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;
• seizure (convulsions);
• 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;
• appetite chnages;
• dry mouth or nose, upset stomach; 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 (Periactin)?

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.