
Precautions
Periactin is the brand name for cyproheptadine for an antihistamine that is used to treat allergic reactions, including skin reactions, by blocking histamines. It also is used to prevent migraine headaches. There are a variety of side effects of this drug, for example, itching, nausea, and vomiting.
What is Periactin used for?
Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Periactin. Sedation, sleepiness (often transient), dizziness, disturbed coordination, restlessness, excitation. The most commonly reported side effects included drowsiness and somnolence.
What are the side effects of Periactin?
What is Periactin (cyproheptadine)? Cyproheptadine an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose Cyproheptadine is used to treat sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms of allergies.
What is Periactin (cyproheptadine)?
Pay attention to how you feel after you take Periactin. Possible side effects include dry mouth, upset stomach, drowsiness and insomnia. It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to Periactin. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives and facial or oral swelling. Eat healthy foods often while you are on Periactin.
What should I pay attention to when taking Periactin?

Can Periactin make you gain weight?
Cyproheptadine (Periactin) hydrochloride, a histamine and serotonin antagonist, was compared with placebo for effectiveness in producing appetite stimulation and weight gain in healthy, underweight, adults. Increase in appetite and weight was significantly greater statistically in those who received cyproheptadine.
What are the benefits of Periactin?
Cyproheptadine relieves red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by allergies, irritants in the air, and hay fever. It may also be used to relieve the itching of allergic skin conditions, and to treat hives, including hives caused by exposure to cold temperatures and by rubbing the skin.
Is Periactin used to increase appetite?
Cyproheptadine (Periactin) is used to relieve allergic symptoms. It is also used to relieve headaches, and motion sickness. It may also be prescribed to your child to increase his or her appetite to help with emptying of the stomach and improve symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Who should not take Periactin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cyproheptadine, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a stomach ulcer or obstruction, an enlarged prostate or urination problems, if you are having an asthma attack, or if you are elderly or have a debilitating disease.
How fast does Periactin work?
This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement in clinical signs should follow.
How often should I take Periactin for weight gain?
PubMed Health notes that Periactin is usually taken two to three times per day. It is prescribed in either a pill or liquid form. If you are prescribed the liquid form of the drug, use the measuring cup provided with the medication to measure it as regular kitchen spoons and measuring cups are not always accurate.
Is Periactin safe?
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.
How long does it take to gain weight when using cyproheptadine?
Considerable weight gain occurred within 2 weeks in the study by Rerksuppaphol et al. [19], but required 1–4 months in the study by Sant'Anna et al.
How much weight can you gain from cyproheptadine?
Findings: A significant higher body mass index was observed among CH-treated patients after 8 weeks intervention with cyproheptadine compared with the control group (P<0.041). Mean weight gain after eight weeks was 0.11 kg in the control group and 0.60 kg in the CH group.
Does Periactin help sleep?
If you take medicines used to treat anxiety or to help you sleep while you are taking PERIACTIN, you are likely to experience greater drowsiness, sleepiness, tiredness or dizziness. These are also likely to occur more quickly.
Why was Periactin discontinued?
At that time, FDA exercised its discretion under § 314.161(a) to determine if Periactin 4-mg tablets were withdrawn for reasons of safety or effectiveness. After reviewing agency records, FDA has determined that Periactin 4-mg tablets were not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness.
How long does Periactin last?
Relief from the migraine usually starts with two doses and is maintained with one tablet every 4 to 6 hours. This medication may cause drowsiness. Do not to drive or operate machinery if this occurs.
What Is Periactin (Cyproheptadine)?
Cyproheptadine an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, water...
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Periactin (Cyproheptadine)?
Always ask a doctor before giving a cold or allergy medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cold and allergy medicines in very youn...
What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Periactin (Cyproheptadine)?
Do not use cyproheptadine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagili...
How Should I Take Periactin (Cyproheptadine)?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your p...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion,...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Periactin (Cyproheptadine)?
Cyproheptadine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.Drinking alcohol can inc...
Periactin (Cyproheptadine) Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Periactin (Cyproheptadine)?
Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can...
How to use Periactin Syrup
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.
Are you currently using Periactin Syrup?
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For the Consumer
Sedation, sleepiness (often transient), dizziness, disturbed coordination, restlessness, excitation.
For Healthcare Professionals
The most commonly reported side effects included drowsiness and somnolence. [ Ref]
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
What is cyproheptadine used for?
Basics Of Cyproheptadine. Cyproheptadine (Periactin) is a first generation antihistamine traditionally used for allergic rhinitis, hives, and appetite stimulation. Cyproheptadine acts on diverse pathways (more described below) and anticholinergic, antiserotonergic, and local anesthetic.
Is cyprohetadine a good antagonist for FGIDs?
By acting as a serotonin (5-HT) antagonist on the gut-brain axis, cyprohetadine may be useful for management of functional gastrointe stinal disorders (FGIDs), such as functional abdominal pain (FAP), functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal migraine (AM), and cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). R
Is cyproheptadine good for vomiting?
Although weak, cyproheptadine has been used as a preventive measure against migraines in children and adolescents. R R. 4. May Treat Excessive Vomiting. Cyproheptadine has been used in treatment of cyclical vomiting syndrome in infants and children. R R.
Does cyproheptadine help with weight gain?
Stimulates Appetite And Reduces Muscle Wasting. Cyproheptadine has been used to increase appetite and weight gain, which may be beneficial for certain diseases such as cystic fibrosis, HIV, and sarcopenia. R. Cyproheptadine has been also used in young children with feeding difficulties and poor growth. R.
What happens when histamine binds to receptors?
When the histamine binds to receptors on other cells, it stimulates changes within the cells that lead to the release of chemicals that cause sneezing, itching, and increased production of mucus. Antihistamines compete with histamine for cell receptors and bind to the receptors without stimulating the cells.
Does cyproheptadine block serotonin?
In addition, they prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells. Cyproheptadine also blocks the action of acetylcholine (anticholinergic effect) and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that nerves and muscles use to communicate with one another, and it causes drowsiness.
How much weight can I gain with periactin?
Most reviews for Periactin on weight gain, reported that Periactin, can cause a weight gain of almost 7kg (15 lbs) in just eight weeks (2 months). Nevertheless, how much weight you can gain from Periactin depends on the duration of use. However, it is important to note that fast weight gain will mostly be in the form of added body fat.
Why do people stay skinny?
Most adult are skinny genetically where they have higher metabolism rate compare to others. Busy lifestyle with stress, depression, smoking, poor appetite, convalescence or strenuous physical activities are part of the reason why most adult stay skinny.
Does periactin help with rash?
It also relieves the itchiness associated with some skin problems; such as rash, hives, dermatitis, eczema, mild reactions to insect bites, and chickenpox. Periactin is also used to treat migraines and other similar headaches in people whose symptoms have not been relieved by other medicines.
Does periactin cause dizziness?
Side Effects Of Periactin. The side effects of Periactin include; Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Does periactin increase appetite?
An older study confirmed the effectiveness of Periactin in producing appetite stimulation and weight gain in healthy, underweight, adults, as the study confirmed that Increase in appetite and weight was significantly greater statistically in those who received cyproheptadine.
Does periactin help with weight gain?
There are no specific Periactin dosage for weight gain. Dosage should be individualized according to the needs and the response of the patient. Each tablet of Periactin contains 4 mg of cyproheptadine hydrochloride .
What is a periactin?
Cyproheptadine (Periactin) is an oral antihistamine used for treating allergic reactions. It works by blocking the effects of histamine and is classified as a first generation antihistamine. Histamine is released by cells of the body during several types of allergic reactions and, to a lesser extent, during some viral infections, ...
What happens when histamine binds to receptors?
When the histamine binds to receptors on other cells, it stimulates changes within the cells that lead to the release of chemicals that cause sneezing, itching, and increased production of mucus. Antihistamines compete with histamine for cell receptors and bind to the receptors without stimulating the cells.
What is cyproheptadine used for?
What are the uses for cyproheptadine? Cyproheptadine is used for treating various types of allergic reactions and the skin manifestations of allergic reactions. It's off-label uses (non-FDA approved) include: Spasticity associated with spinal cord injury. Prevention of migraine headaches.
What is a tricyclic drug?
Tricyclic's is a class of drugs of antidepressants, for example:
Is periactin a non-fada drug?
The drug is used for various types of allergic reactions including skin reactions. Off-label (non-FDA approved) uses include spasticity associated with spinal cord injury and preventing migraine headaches. Review side effects, dosage, drug and supplement interactions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information prior to taking this drug. Periactin, the brand name, has been discontinued.
Does cyproheptadine block serotonin?
In addition, they prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells. Cyproheptadine also blocks the action of acetylcholine (anticholinergic effect) and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that nerves and muscles use to communicate with one another, and it causes drowsiness.
Can you overdose on periactin?
It is possible to overdose on Periactin, so don't take more than your prescribed dose. Extreme drowsiness, pale skin, confusion, large pupils, very dry mouth, vomiting, fainting and hallucinations are signs of an overdose.
Can you take periactin if you have a stomach ulcer?
If you have stomach ulcers, asthma attacks, high blood pressure, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, hyperactive thyroid or heart disease, you may not be able to take Periactin or you may need an adjusted dose. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers may be advised not to take Periactin. Advertisement.
Can periactin cause hives?
Pay attention to how you feel after you take Periactin. Possible side effects include dry mouth, upset stomach, drowsiness and insomnia. It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to Periactin. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives and facial or oral swelling.
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Sorry, we have no data available. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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Are you currently using Periactin oral?
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