Uses of Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine is used in the treatment of allergic conditions such as seasonal and perineal rhinitis, hay fever, skin rashes and allergic conjunctivitis. The medicine is also used as adjuvant therapy for serious allergic reactions.

Therapeutic Category

Cyproheptadine: Antihistamines

How Cyproheptadine works

Cyproheptadine treats allergic reactions by binding with certain receptors and blocking them from binding with histamine in the body. Histamine is a mediator found in our body that is responsible for causing allergic symptoms (such as inflammation, itching and irritation etc.) as a response to allergic conditions. Thereby, providing relief from the allergic condition.

Common side effects of Cyproheptadine

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• confusion, agitation
• urinary retention
• tachycardia
• facial flushing
• hyperpyrexia (high temperature)
• dry mucous membrane
• dilated pupil
• constipation
• seizures
• athetosis (involuntary movement of limbs)
• hallucination, delirium
• weight gain
• loss of appetite

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• disturbed coordination, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, paraesthesia (tickling sensation), neuritis (inflammation of the nerve), euphoria (mood swings), hysteria (mental disorder) and faintness
• rash and swelling, excessive sweating, a rash with a severe itch, photosensitivity
• acute labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear), blurred vision, double vision, vertigo (spinning sensation) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• hypotension, palpitation, tachycardia, extrasystoles (additional heartbeat), severe allergic shock
• haemolytic anaemia, leukopenia (low white blood cells), agranulocytosis (high risk of infection), thrombocytopenia (low platelets in the blood)
• In case of accidental overdose or ingestion

Health Tips for Cyproheptadine

• Cyproheptadine can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medication affects you
• Alcohol can intensify the drowsiness caused by cyproheptadine, so it's best to avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication
• It is important to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day, especially if you experience dry mouth as a side effect of cyproheptadine
• Cyproheptadine must be used with caution in pregnant women only if recommended by your doctor. Consult your doctor before taking
• Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking