Cyproheptadine Description

Generic Name: CYPROHEPTADINE

Pronunciation: (si proe hep' ta deen)

Trade Name(s): Ciplactin, Peritol, Practin, periactin

Why it is prescribed: Cyproheptadine, an antihistamine, relieves red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. It may also relieve the itching of insect bites, bee stings, position ivy, and poision oak. Cyproheptadine also is used to stimulate appetite and weight gain.

When it is to be taken: Cyproheptadine usually is taken two to four times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Do not take this drug more often or take more at each dose than as directed.

How it should be taken: Cyproheptadine comes in the form of tablets and oral liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose of the liquid.

Special Instruction:
1. Cyproheptadine can cause drowsiness. Do not drive car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
2. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time you are scheduled to take the next one, take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects:
1. Dry mouth, nose, and throat. Suck sugarless lozenges or hard candy, chew sugarless gum, or drink fluids.
2. Stomach upset. Take the medication with meals or milk.
3. Dizziness, drowsiness, excitement, muscle weakness, difficulty urinating, vision problems, skin rash. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions:
1. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
2. Before you take this drug, tell you doctor if you have asthma, glaucoma, ulcers, difficulty urinating, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
3. Before you take Cyproheptadine, tell your doctor what prescription and non prescription medication you are taking, especially sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, muscle relaxants, medication for depression or seizures, narcotics, or other medication for allergies or colds.
4. Do not use Cyproheptadine if you have taken mono amino oxidase inhibitors like isocarboxazid, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last two weeks.
5. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions:
1. keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.
2. Do not allow the liquid to freeze.