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Cyproheptadine
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Description
Cyproheptadine is an antihistaminic medicine (class of medicine used to treat allergy). It is used to treat conditions like allergic rhinitis (irritation of nose), migraine, cluster headache, allergy of skin, etc. It works by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical messenger in the body that causes the symptoms of allergy.
Cyproheptadine may cause side effects like dry mouth, nose, throat, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, chest congestion, headaches, and muscle weakness. Consult your doctor if these side effects become worse or do not go away. Cyproheptadine can be taken with or without food at the same time regularly, in a dosage prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dose time is approaching, skip the missing dose. Seek immediate medical attention if you have taken an overdose of this medicine as it can lead to symptoms like extreme drowsiness, hallucinations, very dry mouth, breathing difficulty, etc.
Cyproheptadine may be safe to use during pregnancy. However, inform your doctor, if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant while taking this medication. Avoid this medicine if you are breastfeeding as it is not known if it can pass into breast milk. Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use in children less than 2 years of age. Cyproheptadine can be very unsafe for newborn or premature babies.
Cyproheptadine is not suitable for use if you have any kidney, liver issues, or have glaucoma. Avoid any activity that requires concentration such as driving or operating heavy machines if you are taking Cyproheptadine as it causes drowsiness.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Cyproheptadine
Vomiting
Nausea
Fatigue
Dizziness
Headache
Uses of Cyproheptadine
What is it prescribed for?
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a reaction that occurs when your body responds to the allergens (like pollen, dust, mite, animal dander). Cyproheptadine is used to relieve symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis such as a runny nose, sneezing, red and itchy eyes, etc.
Urticaria
Urticaria is bumps (often itchy) or welts on the skin that happen as an allergic reaction from eating certain foods, medicine, or cold weather. Cyproheptadine is used for the treatment of urticaria (particularly caused by cold weather). It works by blocking the release of a chemical substance, histamine that causes this condition.
Pruritus
Cyproheptadine is used for the treatment of pruritus, severe itching of the skin, associated with various allergic conditions.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes severe weight loss. Histamine, a chemical messenger in the body plays a major role in inducing appetite loss. Cyproheptadine helps in treating anorexia nervosa, by blocking the release of histamine.
Migraine
A migraine is a type of headache that causes intense throbbing or pulsating pain that often occurs with nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Cyproheptadine is used to treat the symptoms of a migraine headache and also prevent the onset of a migraine attack.
Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are severe headaches that affect one side of the head and the region surrounding the eyes. This is caused by an increase in the levels of histamines (chemical messengers) in your blood. Cyproheptadine is used to treat the symptoms of a cluster headache by blocking the release of histamine in the blood.
Cushing's syndrome
Cyproheptadine is also used to treat the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by an excess release of cortisol (stress hormone) over a long period. The condition is characterized by weight gain (especially upper body), round face, pink or purple stretch marks, etc.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by an allergic reaction to substances like pollen, dust, animal dander or mould spores. Cyproheptadine is used to relieve symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis such as a runny or blocked nose, watery eyes, redness or itching in the eyes, etc.
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
The effects of Cyproheptadine can be observed within 15 to 60 minutes of administration.Duration of effect
Cyproheptadine acts for an average duration of 8 to 12 hours.Safe with alcohol?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Is it habit forming?
No habit-forming tendencies were reported.Usage in pregnancy?
Use of Cyproheptadine may be safe during pregnancy. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before taking this medicine. All the risks and benefits should be discussed before taking Cyproheptadine.Usage while breast-feeding?
Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may suggest an alternative medicine based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use in people with a known allergy to cyproheptadine or any other ingredients present in its formulations. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Narrow-angle glaucoma is a condition that develops when the structure inside the eye that permits fluid to flow regularly from the eye (called the drainage angle) gets blocked. This leads to an increase in eye pressure and the risk of vision loss. Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use in people having narrow-angle glaucoma due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO) is a group of medications used to treat a range of mental health conditions. Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use in people receiving therapy with MAO inhibitors due to the increased risk of serious side effects.
Symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy
Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use in people having symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy (prostate enlargement) due to the increased risk of worsening of the condition.
Elderly patients
Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use in elderly and debilitated (very weak) people due to the increased risk of serious side effects.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Use of Cyproheptadine may be safe during pregnancy. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before taking this medicine. All the risks and benefits should be discussed before taking Cyproheptadine.
Breast-feeding
Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may suggest an alternative medicine based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Thyroid Disorder
Cyproheptadine should be used with caution in people who have thyroid dysfunction due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Regular monitoring of thyroid function tests is recommended for such people. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Kidney diseases
Cyproheptadine is cleared from the body by the kidneys. Hence, it should be used with caution if you have kidney problems due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your kidney function closely while using this medicine and adjust the dose of this medicine if needed.
Driving or Operating machines
Cyproheptadine may cause symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, etc., in some people. It is advised that you do not perform activities such as driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Use in Paediatrics
Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use in children less than 2 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Liver impairment
Cyproheptadine is broken down and absorbed in the liver, hence the medicine should be used with caution if you have liver problems as it can increase the risk of severe side effects. The liver functions need to be closely monitored while receiving this medicine. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your liver function closely while using this medicine and adjust the dose of this medicine if needed.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Propoxyphene
Sodium oxybate
Amoxapine
Aripiprazole
Topiramate
Zonisamide
Disease interactions
Asthma/ COPD
Cyproheptadine should be used with caution if you have a history of asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of the clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on your clinical condition.
Cardiovascular disorders
Cyproheptadine should be used with caution if you have a history of cardiovascular disorders due to the increased risk of worsening of your condition. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of the clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on your clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Cyproheptadine can be taken with or without food. Do not consume Cyproheptadine in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed. Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the Cyproheptadine treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of Cyproheptadine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Cyproheptadine works by blocking the action of certain substances produced by the body which are responsible for causing allergic reactions and symptoms. It also blocks the actions of certain substances in the body which are responsible for a reduction in appetite.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Antihistamines
Schedule
Schedule H
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CiplaMed. 2021. CIPLACTIN Tablets. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 17 August 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Cyproheptadine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 17 August 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Cyproheptadine. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 17 August 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 30 Nov 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.