Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine used to relieve
allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose,
sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural
substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.
This medication also blocks another natural substance in your body
(serotonin).
This medication should not be used in newborn or
premature infants.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day. If you are using the
liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special
measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not
get the correct dose.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and
response to treatment. Children's dosage may also be based on weight and
body size. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often
than directed.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, or
dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse,
tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice
chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva
substitute.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, confusion,
hallucinations)
- shaking (tremor)
- difficulty urinating
- fast/irregular heartbeat
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking cyproheptadine, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema)
- high pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- kidney disease
- seizures
- stomach/intestine problems (such as ulcers, blockage)
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged
prostate)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Liquid products may contain alcohol and/or sugar.
Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other
condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product
safely.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug. This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead
of drowsiness.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, confusion, or
trouble urinating. Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion can increase the
risk of falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as
cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
Do not use with any other antihistamines applied to the
skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray) because increased
side effects may occur.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as allergy skin testing, metyrapone test), possibly causing false
test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use
this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
drowsiness, seizures, widened pupils. In children, mental/mood changes
(such as restlessness, irritability, hallucinations) may occur before
drowsiness.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not freeze the liquid form of this medication. Do not store in the
bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.