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Periactin Side Effects

Generic name: cyproheptadine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 22, 2024.

Note: This document contains side effect information about cyproheptadine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Periactin.

Applies to cyproheptadine: oral solution, oral tablets.

Side effects include:

Sedation, sleepiness (often transient), dizziness, disturbed coordination, restlessness, excitation.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to cyproheptadine: compounding powder, oral syrup, oral tablet.

General

The most commonly reported side effects included drowsiness and somnolence.[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Drowsiness, somnolence

Frequency not reported: Convulsions, coordination disturbance, dizziness, faintness, headache, neuritis, paresthesias, sedation/transient sedation, sleepiness/transient sleepiness, tremor, vertigo[Ref]

Some patients who developed drowsiness initially had an apparent improvement in symptoms when they continued taking this drug continuously over the next 3 to 4 days.[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Aggressive behavior, confusion, euphoria, excitation, hallucinations, hysteria, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, restlessness[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, epigastric distress, nausea, vomiting[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Chest tightness, dry nose, dry throat, nasal stuffiness, thickened bronchial secretions, wheezing[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Difficult urination/micturition difficulty, early menses, micturition frequency/urinary frequency, urinary retention[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Cholestasis, hepatitis, jaundice, liver failure, liver function abnormality[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Allergic rash, excessive perspiration, photosensitivity, urticaria[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Extrasystoles, hypotension, palpitation, tachycardia[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Anorexia, increased appetite, weight gain[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Chills, fatigue, rigors[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Allergic edema, anaphylactic shock[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, diplopia[Ref]

Immunologic

Frequency not reported: Acute labyrinthitis[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Periactin (cyproheptadine). Merck & Co., Inc. 2002;PROD.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.