Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine that lessens the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Cyproheptadine is used to treat sneezing, a runny nose, itching, red or watery eyes, and other symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever). Cyproheptadine is also used to treat other conditions like eczema or skin reactions to insect bites.

Cyproheptadine may sometimes be used to treat certain types of headaches, including migraines.

Cyproheptadine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not use cyproheptadine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old. You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of an antihistamine in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Cyproheptadine doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers), and any changes may affect the dose.

This medicine can cause you to have a false positive drug screening test. If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell the laboratory staff that you are taking cyproheptadine.

Store in a tightly-closed container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

You should not use cyproheptadine if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a stomach ulcer or blockage, an enlarged prostate, problems with urination, or if you are having an asthma attack. You also should not use cyproheptadine if you are breast-feeding a baby, if you are elderly, or if you have a serious illness.

Do not use cyproheptadine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.

You should not use cyproheptadine if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you have narrow-angle glaucoma;
• you have a stomach ulcer or obstruction;
• you have an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• you are breast-feeding a baby;
• you are having an asthma attack; or
• you are elderly or have a debilitating disease.

Do not give this medicine to a newborn or premature baby. Cyproheptadine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

To make sure cyproheptadine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• glaucoma;
• a history of asthma;
• high blood pressure;
• heart disease; or
• an overactive thyroid.

Cyproheptadine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether cyproheptadine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines may slow breast milk production. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cyproheptadine may cause serious side effects. Stop using cyproheptadine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• tremor, seizure (convulsions);
• confusion, hallucinations;
• little or no urination;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• ringing in your ears; or
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness.

Common side effects of cyproheptadine may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• constipation;
• blurred vision; or
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

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.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Signs of an overdose can include extreme sleepiness, seeing things that are not there, very dry mouth, enlarged pupils, pale or red skin, a tingling sensation, vomiting, restlessness in a child, weak or shallow breathing, or a seizure.

Cyproheptadine may affect your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that needs you to be alert.

Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can lead to side effects.

Taking cyproheptadine with other medications that cause drowsiness can increase this effect. Speak to your doctor before using a sleeping pill, narcotic medication, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with cyproheptadine, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform all your health care providers about every medicine you are currently using and any medication you begin or stop using.