Cyproheptadine Dosage

Medically reviewed on October 20, 2016.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Reaction

Initial dose: 4 mg orally three times a day
Maintenance dose: 12 to 16 mg/day, occasionally up to 32 mg/day but not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

Initial dose: 4 mg orally three times a day
Maintenance dose: 12 to 16 mg/day, occasionally up to 32 mg/day but not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Pruritus

Initial dose: 4 mg orally three times a day
Maintenance dose: 12 to 16 mg/day, occasionally up to 32 mg/day but not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria

Initial dose: 4 mg orally three times a day
Maintenance dose: 12 to 16 mg/day, occasionally up to 32 mg/day but not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Anorexia Nervosa

Initial dose: 2 mg orally four times a day
Maintenance dose: may increase gradually over 3 weeks to 8 mg orally four times a day

Usual Adult Dose for Cushing's Syndrome

Initial dose: 2 mg orally four times a day
Maintenance dose: may increase gradually over 3 weeks to 8 mg orally four times a day

Usual Adult Dose for Cluster Headache

4 mg orally four times a day

Usual Adult Dose for Migraine

4 to 8 mg orally three times a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Reaction

0.25 mg/kg/day or 8 mg/m2 body surface area in 2 to 3 divided doses, or by age as follows:

2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 12 mg/day

7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 16 mg/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

0.25 mg/kg/day or 8 mg/m2 body surface area in 2 to 3 divided doses, or by age as follows:

2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 12 mg/day

7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 16 mg/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pruritus

0.25 mg/kg/day or 8 mg/m2 body surface area in 2 to 3 divided doses, or by age as follows:

2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 12 mg/day

7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 16 mg/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria

0.25 mg/kg/day or 8 mg/m2 body surface area in 2 to 3 divided doses, or by age as follows:

2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 12 mg/day

7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally two to three times a day, not to exceed 16 mg/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Anorexia

> 13 years: 2 mg orally 4 times a day. May be increased gradually over a 3 week period to 8 mg 4 times a day. Maximum dose is 32 mg/day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Migraine

4 mg orally two to three times a day

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

The pharmacokinetics of cyproheptadine in patients with liver disease have not been studied. Since cyproheptadine is primarily metabolized by the liver, caution is advised when it is administered to patients with impaired hepatic function.

Precautions

Cyproheptadine should not be used in newborn or premature infants.

Dialysis

Data not available

Further information

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

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