$Unique_ID{BRK01915}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CYPROHEPTADINE}
$Subject{cyproheptadine hydrochloride (various manufacturers)
Periactin (Merck Sharp & Dohme)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CYPROHEPTADINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     cyproheptadine hydrochloride (various manufacturers)
     Periactin (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antihistamine
INGREDIENT:
     cyproheptadine
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (4 mg)
     Oral syrup (2 mg per 5-ml spoonful, with 5% alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.  Freezing of the
       oral syrup should be avoided.

USES

     This medication belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines
(antihistamines block the action of histamine, a chemical that is released by
the body during an allergic reaction).  It is, therefore, used to treat or
prevent symptoms of allergy.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach upset, you can take cyproheptadine with food or with a
full glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The oral syrup should be measured carefully with a specially designed
5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  If it is almost time
for the next dose, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your
regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision; confusion; constipation; diarrhea; difficult or painful
urination; dizziness; dry mouth, throat, or nose; headache; increased or
decreased appetite; irritability; nausea; restlessness; ringing or buzzing in
the ears; stomach upset; or unusual increase in sweating.  These side effects
should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you not to do so).
     Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to
reduce mouth dryness.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while;
get up from a sitting or lying position slowly, and be careful on
stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
change in menstruation, clumsiness, feeling faint, flushing of the face,
hallucinations, palpitations, rash, seizures, shortness of breath, sleeping
disorders, sore throat or fever, tightness in the chest, unusual bleeding or
bruising, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     This drug interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. Concurrent use of this medication with other central nervous system
depressants (such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers,
muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, and phenothiazine
tranquilizers) or with tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness.
     2. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (such as isocarboxazid, pargyline,
phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) can increase the side effects of this
medication.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to cyproheptadine or to other antihistamines (such
as azatadine, astemizole, brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, chlorpheniramine,
clemastine, cyproheptadine, dimenhydrinate, dimethindene, diphenhydramine,
diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, phenidamine, promethazine,
pyrilamine, terfenadine, trimeprazine, tripelennamine, and triprolidine).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma, blood
vessel disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, kidney disease, peptic ulcers,
enlarged prostate gland, or thyroid disease.
     * Cyproheptadine can cause drowsiness or dizziness.  Your ability to
perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment, may be decreased.  Appropriate caution
should, therefore, be taken.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of
cyproheptadine pass into breast milk and may cause unusual excitement or
irritability in nursing infants.  The drug may also inhibit lactation.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
