Drug Title

Periactin (Cyproheptadine)

Indications for the use

Periactin an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms (hay fever, nasal inflammation, stuffy nose, hives, and swelling) of cold and allergy. It is also prescribed in anaphylaxis, a life–threatening allergic reaction, after treating with another drug called epinephrine.

Medication

Take Periactin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you do not understand the directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor for instruction.

Each pill is to be taken with a full glass of water.

Periactin can be taken without food.

To make sure you get the correct dose, measure the syrup with a special dosing spoon or cup and not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get it.

Never take more medicine than is prescribed for you. Maximum dose of Periactin per day is 32 mg.

Drug class and mechanism of action

Periactin is an antihistamine. Periactin blocks the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed time and take only your next appointment. Do not take double dose of the drug, unless prescribed by your doctor.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Overdose

A Periactin overdose may lead to symptoms like dilated pupils, dry mouth, extreme excitement and agitation, fever, flushing, stomach or bowel distress, stupor or coma. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Precautions

Do not use Periactin if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. It can cause dangerous drug interactions leading to serious side effects. Before taking the medication, tell your doctor if you have

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;
• stomach ulcer;
• enlargement of the prostate, bladder, or difficulty urinating;
• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
• hypertension or any type of heart problems,
• asthma.

You are not to take cyproheptadine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment, if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Possible side effects

Some of the common side effects of are Anaphylaxis (life–threatening allergic reaction), anemia, appetite loss, chest congestion or tightness, chills, confusion, constipation, convulsions, diarrhea, difficulty urinating, dizziness, dry mouth, nose, or throat, earlier–than–expected menstrual period, exaggerated feeling of well–being, excessive perspiration, excitement, faintness, fatigue, fluttery or throbbing heartbeat, frequent urination, hallucinations, headache, hives, hysteria, inability to urinate, increased appetite and weight gain, insomnia, irritability, lack of coordination, light sensitivity, liver problems, low blood pressure, nausea, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, rash and swelling, restlessness, ringing in the ears, sleepiness, stomach pain, stuffy nose, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, vertigo, vision problems (double vision, blurred vision), vomiting, weight gain, wheezing, yellow eyes and skin.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.

Additional Information

Periactin should be used only by the patient to whom the drug is prescribed. Do not share it with others.
If symptoms do not improve or become worse, consult the doctor.