The information on this site is intended to supplement and enhance, not replace, the advice of a physician who is familiar with your medical history. Decisions about your health should always be made ONLY after detailed conversation with your doctor.
Generic drug name:
cyproheptadine
(si proe HEP ta deen)
Brand name(s):
PERIACTIN
GENERIC:
available
FAMILY:
Antihistamines
Find the drug label by
searching at DailyMed.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding Warnings [top]
Pregnancy Warning
Cyproheptadine caused fetal harm in an animal study. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects to the fetus, this drug should not be used by pregnant women.
Breast-feeding Warning
Because of the adverse effects on the brains of nursing infants, cyproheptadine should not be used by nursing women.
Safety Warnings For This Drug [top]
Anticholinergic Effects
Warning: Special Mental and Physical Adverse Effects
Older adults are especially sensitive to the harmful anticholinergic effects of these drugs. Drugs in this family should not be used unless absolutely necessary.
Mental Effects: confusion, delirium, short-term memory problems, disorientation and impaired attention
Physical Effects: dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating (especially for a man with an enlarged prostate), blurred vision, decreased sweating with increased body temperature, sexual dysfunction and worsening of glaucoma
Non-Drug Approaches to Allergies
Avoid exposure to things that trigger your allergies or asthma, such as animals, bedding, chemicals, cosmetics, drugs, dust, mold, foods, pollens, or smoke. Wearing a mask reduces inhalation of drugs, pollens, and smoke. Many people with mildly red, itching eyes require no treatment. Cold compresses to the eyes may prove helpful. Using eye drops with vasoconstrictors whitens eyes for a while, but rebound redness can occur. Misuse of vasoconstrictors sets up a vicious cycle.
Facts About This Drug [top]
Cyproheptadine was approved by the FDA in 1961. At one time the drug was heavily promoted as an appetite stimulant for children.[1] Appetite stimulation is not an FDA-approved use for this drug, and it should not be used for this purpose.
Cyproheptadine should not be used to treat a cold. Colds and allergies have different causes, and cyproheptadine is not effective against either the cause of a cold or its symptoms. In fact, the drug can make a cold or cough worse by thickening nasal...
Cyproheptadine was approved by the FDA in 1961. At one time the drug was heavily promoted as an appetite stimulant for children.[1] Appetite stimulation is not an FDA-approved use for this drug, and it should not be used for this purpose.
Cyproheptadine should not be used to treat a cold. Colds and allergies have different causes, and cyproheptadine is not effective against either the cause of a cold or its symptoms. In fact, the drug can make a cold or cough worse by thickening nasal secretions and drying mucous membranes. It also causes drowsiness.
Cyproheptadine can cause harmful adverse effects, most commonly in people over 60. These effects include confusion, dizziness, or fainting; difficult or painful urination; dry mouth, nose, or throat; nightmares; or unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, and irritability. If you have any of these while taking cyproheptadine, ask your doctor about changing or discontinuing this drug.
In 2015, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed that strong anticholinergic drugs such as cyproheptadine were associated with an increased risk for dementia in older adults.[2],[3]
Before You Use This Drug [top]
Tell your doctor if you have or have had:
Tell your doctor about any other drugs you take, including aspirin, herbs, vitamins, and other nonprescription products.
When You Use This Drug [top]
How to Use This Drug [top]
Interactions with Other Drugs [top]
The following drugs, biologics (e.g., vaccines, therapeutic antibodies), or foods are listed in Evaluations of Drug Interactions 2003 as causing “highly clinically significant” or “clinically significant” interactions when used together with any of the drugs in this section. In some sections with multiple drugs, the interaction may have been reported for one but not all drugs in this section, but we include the interaction because the drugs in this section are similar to one another. We have also included potentially serious interactions listed in the drug’s FDA-approved professional package insert or in published medical journal articles. There may be other drugs, especially those in the families of drugs listed below, that also will react with this drug to cause severe adverse effects. Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist the drugs you are taking and tell them if you are taking any of these interacting drugs:
DILANTIN, EFFEXOR, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, LUVOX, nefazodone, paroxetine, PAXIL, phenytoin, PROZAC, SERZONE, venlafaxine
Adverse Effects [top]
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
Call your doctor if these symptoms continue:
Signs of overdose:
If you suspect an overdose, call this number to contact your poison control center: (800) 222-1222.
last reviewed August 31, 2024
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