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Cyproheptadine hydrochloride

Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine.

Pronunciation: SYE-proe-HEP-ta-deen

What are cyproheptadine’s uses?

Cyprohephtadine is used in the treatment of allergic conditions including:

  • Allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages)
  • Allergic conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)
  • Atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema)
  • Chronic urticaria and angioedema (hives, or an itchy rash)

It blocks histamine that your body makes during an allergic reaction.

What dosage should you use?

An adult dose is 4 to 20mg per day in divided doses, usually 2 to 4mg three to times times daily.

Avoid usage in childen up to two years of age. In children two to six years, the recommended dosage is 2mg two to three times daily, and in children seven to 14 years, it's 4mg two to three times daily.

However, first check the correct dosages with your Clicks pharmacist.

What special precautions should you take?

  • Premature babies and newborns should not receive cyproheptadine.
  • If you’re elderly and in poor health do not use it.
  • Take care when driving, using machinery or performing tasks that require you to be alert, as cyproheptadine could impair functioning.
  • During pregnancy, it is best to consult your doctor about whether you can take cyproheptadine.
  • If you’re breastfeeding only use cyproheptadine if your doctor tells you it’s essential.
  • You should not drink alcohol if you’re taking cyproheptadine.

Cyproheptadine should be used with caution if you suffer from any of the following conditions, so be sure to consult your doctor before taking it:

What drug interactions could you experience?

As a rule, always inform your doctor or Clicks pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or planning to take to ensure you don’t suffer the effects of adverse drug interactions.

What are cyproheptadine’s side effects?

Side effects of cyproheptadine could include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth, nose or throat
  • Constipation

Seek immediate medical attention, if you experience any of these serious side effects:

  • Restlessness
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Tremors
  • Difficulty urinating
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat

This is not a complete list of side effects. It’s essential that you call your doctor should you notice any severe or odd side effects.

What are the overdose symptoms?

Call a doctor immediately if you experience any odd symptoms, including the following:

  • Seizures
  • Severe drowsiness
  • Widened pupils
  • A serious allergic reaction, including rash, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, and itching or swelling of the face, tongue or throat
  • Children may also experience restlessness and hallucinations
The accuracy of this information was checked and approved by Clicks' pharmacist Waheed Abdurahman in April 2015