Periactin

Generic name: Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine tablets

What are cyproheptadine tablets?

CYPROHEPTADINE (Periactin®) is an antihistamine. It relieves symptoms of hay fever (seasonal rhinitis), hives (rash or itching), inflammation of the eyes (pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis), and other mild allergic conditions. Generic cyproheptadine tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD)
• glaucoma
• high blood pressure or heart disease
• liver disease
• other chronic illness
• prostate disease
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• ulcers or other stomach problems
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take cyproheptadine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take cyproheptadine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses.

What drug(s) may interact with cyproheptadine?

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking cyproheptadine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• agitation, nervousness, excitability, not able to sleep (these are more likely in children)
• blurred vision
• dizziness or fainting spells
• irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• seizures (convulsions)

Minor side effects from cyproheptadine include:

• drowsiness, dizziness
• dry mouth
• headache
• loss of appetite
• stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea

What should I watch for while taking cyproheptadine?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 1 or 2 days.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how cyproheptadine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

Cyproheptadine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your ophthalmologist if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature, or below 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.