Cyproheptadine is a medicine to relieve allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, hives, or itching of the skin.
Cyproheptadine is a first-generation antihistamine class of drugs that works by blocking the action of histamine substances. Histamine is a natural substance that will cause complaints and symptoms to appear when a person is exposed to an allergy-triggering substance (allergen). When the work of histamine is inhibited, complaints and allergy symptoms will subside.
Keep in mind that cyproheptadine cannot cure allergies, but only relieves the symptoms. The best way to prevent the appearance of allergy symptoms is to avoid the substance or ingredients,
Cyproheptadine trademarks: Bimatonin, Cydifar, Ennamax, Erphacyp, Esprocy, Graperide, Heptasan, Lycipron, Lexahist, Poncohist, Profut, Pronam, Pronicy
What is Cyproheptadine
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antihistamines |
| Benefit | Relieves allergy and eczema symptoms |
| Used by | Adults and children aged 2 years and over |
| Cyproheptadine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category B: Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Cyproheptadine is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets and caplets |
Warnings Before Taking Cyproheptadine
Cyproheptadine must be used with a doctor's prescription. Some things that must be considered before consuming cyproheptadine are:
- Do not take cyproheptadine if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had glaucoma , peptic ulcer, urinary retention , asthma, emphysema , enlarged prostate gland or BPH , heart disease, hypertension , diabetes, hyperthyroidism , liver disease, seizures , kidney disease, or porphyria .
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking cyproheptadine, as this medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain supplements, herbal products, or certain medications, such as MAOI drugs , such as isocarboxazid.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking cyproheptadine if you are undergoing certain medical procedures, including laboratory tests and dental surgery.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction , serious side effects, or overdose after taking cyproheptadine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Cyproheptadine
The doctor will determine the dose of cyproheptadine according to the patient's age, condition, and body response. In general, the following are the doses of cyproheptadine for the treatment of allergic reactions divided according to the patient's age:
- Adult: Initial dose 4 mg, 3-4 times daily. The maintenance dose is 4–20 mg per day. The maximum dose is 32 mg per day.
- Children 2–6 years: 2 mg, 2-3 times daily. The maximum dose is 12 mg per day.
- Children 7–14 years: 4 mg, 2–3 times daily. The maximum dose is 16 mg per day.
In addition, sometimes cyproheptadine can be used to prevent migraines, the dose is 4 mg, 2 times a day.
How to Take Cyproheptadine Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the medicine package before taking cyproheptadine. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Cyproheptadine can be taken before or after food. Take cyproheptadine tablets or caplets with a glass of water. Swallow the medication whole, do not chew or crush it.
Make sure there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. Try to take cyproheptadine at the same time every day for maximum treatment.
If you forget to take cyproheptadine, consume it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
While undergoing treatment with cyproheptadine, carry out controls according to the schedule given by the doctor, so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored.
Store cyproheptadine at room temperature, and avoid direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Cyproheptadine Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several drug interactions that can occur if cyproheptadine is used with other medicines, including:
- Increased effectiveness of cyproheptadine when used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as isocarboxazide or selegiline
- Increased risk of side effects such as drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, excessive sweating, or stomach cramps when used with tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or doxepin
- Increased risk of severe respiratory distress when used with ketamine
- Increased risk of heatstroke if used with zonisamide or topiramate
- Increased risk of injury or irritation of the digestive tract when used with potassium supplements
Side Effects and Dangers of Cyproheptadine e
Side effects that may arise after consuming cyproheptadine include:
- Drowsiness
- Mouth, nose or throat feels dry
- Dizziness or headache
- Nauseous
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Fidget or overly excited, especially when used by children
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience more serious side effects, such as: