What is 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.
Cyproheptadine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about 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 young children.
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.
Before taking cyproheptadine, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, a history of asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, or an overactive thyroid.
Cyproheptadine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of cyproheptadine.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cyproheptadine?
Do not use cyproheptadine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
You should not use cyproheptadine if you are allergic to it, 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.
To make sure you can safely take cyproheptadine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
glaucoma;
a history of asthma;
high blood pressure;
heart disease; or
an overactive thyroid.
FDA pregnancy category B. Cyproheptadine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether cyproheptadine passes into breast milk, but if it does it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication while you are breast-feeding a baby.