Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine is used for:

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Treating allergy symptoms and mild, uncomplicated hives. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine and reducing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Do NOT use Cyproheptadine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cyproheptadine
• you are breast-feeding
• you are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days
• you have narrow-angle glaucoma, peptic ulcer, an enlarged prostate, an obstruction of the urinary tract, or you are elderly and debilitated

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Cyproheptadine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Cyproheptadine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have asthma, glaucoma, difficulty urinating, stomach problems, prostate problems, overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or a gastric or urinary tract obstruction

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cyproheptadine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• MAOIs (eg, phenelzine) because psychotic reactions may occur
• Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Cyproheptadine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cyproheptadine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Cyproheptadine :

Use Cyproheptadine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Cyproheptadine by mouth with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of Cyproheptadine , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cyproheptadine .

Important safety information:

• Cyproheptadine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cyproheptadine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Limit your alcohol consumption while you are taking Cyproheptadine . Cyproheptadine will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.
• Sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
• Cyproheptadine may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Cyproheptadine . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Cyproheptadine can affect the results of allergy tests and certain lab tests (eg, pituitary-adrenal response). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you are using Cyproheptadine . Consult your doctor for further instructions.
• Use Cyproheptadine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Caution is advised when using Cyproheptadine in CHILDREN; they be more sensitive to its effects, especially excitability.
• Do not use Cyproheptadine in infants. Cyproheptadine is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed. In young children, Cyproheptadine may cause excitation and seizures.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. It is not known if Cyproheptadine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cyproheptadine .

Possible side effects of Cyproheptadine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Blurred vision; constipation; decreased appetite; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, or nose; nausea; nervousness; restlessness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; seizures; severe dizziness, tiredness, or weakness; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; trouble urinating; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing eyes or skin.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms in children may include excitement, mental/mood changes, or seizures. Symptoms in adults may include loss of consciousness or severe drowsiness, which may be followed by excitement or seizures.

Store Cyproheptadine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cyproheptadine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Cyproheptadine , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Cyproheptadine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Cyproheptadine . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

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