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Cyproheptadine

  • Cyproheptadine is used to prevent and relieve allergic conditions and sometimes migraine.
  • The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth and possible blurred vision.
  • Do not operate machinery or do any other task that may be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

About cyproheptadine

Type of medicine Antihistamine
Used for Allergies, sometimes migraine and other types of headache
Also called Periactin
Available as Tablets

Cyproheptadine is used to prevent and relieve allergic conditions such as hay fever and some allergic skin reactions.

Exposure to pollen, pet fur, house dust or an insect bite can cause the body to produce a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine causes allergic symptoms which can include rashes, sneezing, watery eyes and a running or blocked nose. Antihistamines stop the effects of histamine and help to relieve these symptoms.

Cyproheptadine is also occasionally used to prevent migraines.

Before taking cyproheptadine

Before taking cyproheptadine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver, kidney or prostate problems
  • If you suffer from epilepsy, porphyria or glaucoma
  • If you have been experiencing difficulty or pain when urinating (passing water)

How to take cyproheptadine

  • Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.

Can cyproheptadine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, blurred vision or dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert, dizzy or can not see properly.
Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Difficulty urinating (passing water), dry mouth, being aware of your heart beat, skin rashes, confusion, mood changes, disturbed sleep or shakiness Speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store cyproheptadine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3877		 DocRef:
dils2737		 Last Updated:
7 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
6 Feb 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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