Cyproheptadine
Cyproheptadine (si proe HEP ta deen) is a generic medication prescribed for various allergy symptoms. Cyproheptadine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines.
Cyproheptadine (si proe HEP ta deen) is a generic medication prescribed for various allergy symptoms. Cyproheptadine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 4mg
- • 30 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
Updated on October 6, 2023
Cyproheptadine (si proe HEP ta deen) is a generic medication prescribed for various allergy symptoms. Cyproheptadine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines.
Uses
Uses of cyproheptadine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as cyproheptadine for certain conditions. Approved uses for cyproheptadine are described below.
Use for various allergy symptoms
Doctors may prescribe cyproheptadine oral tablet or oral liquid solution for treating various allergy symptoms. It’s used for this purpose in children ages 2 years and older and adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
When exposed to an allergen, the immune system responds by releasing histamine. This leads to allergy symptoms such as itching and swelling. Allergy symptoms vary depending on which areas of the body are affected.
Specifically, cyproheptadine is prescribed to treat the following types of allergy-related symptoms:
- nasal symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy nose, and sneezing, due to year-round or seasonal allergies
- nasal symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy nose, and sneezing, due to irritants or other nonallergen causes
- eye allergy symptoms, such as eye itching or swelling, due to an allergy to something you’ve inhaled or eaten
- skin reactions due to allergies, such as hives or swelling
- allergic reactions in people who have received blood or plasma
- hives due to exposure to cold temperatures
- hives due to skin rubbing or injury, such as a scratch
- severe allergic reactions (in combination with other medications)
Cyproheptadine is prescribed together with epinephrine (EpiPen) and other medications for treating severe allergic reactions.
FAQ
Common questions about cyproheptadine
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about cyproheptadine.
Can cyproheptadine be used as an appetite stimulant?
Yes, cyproheptadine may be prescribed off-label for increasing appetite. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
To learn more about cyproheptadine and appetite stimulation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What brand names are available for cyproheptadine?
Cyproheptadine is a generic medication. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
Currently, no brand-name versions of cyproheptadine are available. In the past, this medication was available as the brand-name drug called Periactin.
If you’d like to know more about brand-name or generic drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can cyproheptadine cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases, cyproheptadine may cause long-term side effects. These can occur anytime during treatment, even if you’ve taken the drug for a long time.
However, keep in mind that long-term side effects are unlikely as this medication is usually prescribed short term.
Possible long-term side effects include increased appetite and weight gain, which may lead to obesity or other weight-related health problems.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to best manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of cyproheptadine may last.
How does cyproheptadine work? And how long does it take to start working?
When exposed to an allergen, the immune system responds by releasing histamine and other chemicals. This leads to allergy symptoms, such as itching and swelling.
Cyproheptadine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines. It works to stop or reduce various allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine.
Cyproheptadine starts working shortly after you take your first dose. You may notice your allergy symptoms easing within a few hours to a few days while taking cyproheptadine.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects
Side effects of cyproheptadine
Cyproheptadine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of cyproheptadine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about cyproheptadine’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for cyproheptadine listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of cyproheptadine are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about cyproheptadine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for cyproheptadine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Mild side effects of cyproheptadine oral tablet and cyproheptadine oral solution may include:
- drowsiness (or excitement in children)
- dry nose, mouth, and throat
- dizziness
- increased appetite
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for cyproheptadine” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of cyproheptadine are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about cyproheptadine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for cyproheptadine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, cyproheptadine’s serious side effects* include:
- reduced mental alertness
- changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or heart rhythm
- trouble urinating
- low levels of red blood cells and platelets
- changes in mood or behavior, such as nervousness or confusion
- severe allergic reaction†
* It isn’t clear whether these side effects occurred in studies of cyproheptadine. For details about the drug’s studies, see the prescribing information in the “Resources” section of this article.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for cyproheptadine” section.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for cyproheptadine
Below, you’ll find information about cyproheptadine’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of cyproheptadine
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take cyproheptadine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for cyproheptadine” section below.
Warnings for cyproheptadine
Some people should not take cyproheptadine, and others should take it cautiously.
Cyproheptadine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether cyproheptadine is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for cyproheptadine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Cyproheptadine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to cyproheptadine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe cyproheptadine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to cyproheptadine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of cyproheptadine
You should not take more cyproheptadine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much cyproheptadine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and cyproheptadine
Information about cyproheptadine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Cyproheptadine and pregnancy
In general, cyproheptadine is considered safe to take during pregnancy. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.
Cyproheptadine and breastfeeding
Cyproheptadine should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor can recommend other healthy ways to feed your child during treatment with cyproheptadine.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about cyproheptadine or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How long will I need to take cyproheptadine?
- Does cyproheptadine interact with any of my other medications?
- Is it safe for me to drive after taking a dose of cyproheptadine?
Resources
Resources
- Cyproheptadine. (2018). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682541.html
- Cyproheptadine hydrochloride oral solution, USP 2 mg/ 5 mL. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/81d9523f-f945-4410-8b71-8b5fea48a3da/spl-doc
- Cyproheptadine hydrochloride tablets USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/378b7041-4ef3-4706-826b-b2183f7aff28/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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