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Cyproheptadine tablets

Periactin

Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine. It is taken for allergic conditions.

Make sure you follow the dosage directions on the label.

The most common side effects are feeling tired or sleepy. This may affect your ability to drive.

At a glance

  • Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergies like hay fever and some skin conditions.

  • It works by blocking histamine, which causes allergic symptoms.

  • You can buy these tablets without a prescription from a pharmacy.

  • Common side effects include feeling tired or sleepy, blurred vision, headache, and dry mouth.

  • Avoid driving, operating machinery, or drinking alcohol if you feel drowsy.

  • Do not take cyproheptadine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain health conditions without medical advice.

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Overview

Typ av medicin

An antihistamine

Används för

Allergic conditions, such as hay fever and skin rashes

Även kallad

Periactin®

Tillgänglig som

Tabletter

Cyproheptadine is a type of antihistamine that is used to relieve allergies, such as hay fever and some allergic skin conditions.

You can buy cyproheptadine tablets without a prescription at a pharmacy.

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Cyproheptadine works by blocking the effect of histamine.

Exposure to substances such as pollen, pet fur, house dust, or insect bites can cause some people to produce an excess of a chemical called histamine.

This triggers allergic symptoms, which can include skin rashes, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny or blocked nose.

Cyproheptadine blocks the effects of histamine by preventing it from binding to its receptors in the body, helping to relieve allergic symptoms.

Common side effects of cyproheptadine are:

  • Feeling tired or sleepy.

  • Blurred vision.

  • Headache.

  • Difficulty peeing (passing urine).

  • Torr mun.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

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The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any continue or become troublesome.

Cyproheptadine side effects

Vad kan jag göra om jag upplever detta?

Feeling tired or sleepy, blurred vision

Do not drive and do not use tools or machines until you feel better. Do not drink alcohol

Huvudvärk

Drick mycket vatten och be din apotekare rekommendera en lämplig smärtstillande. Om huvudvärken fortsätter, informera din läkare

Difficulty passing urine

Speak with your doctor if this becomes troublesome

Torr mun

Try sucking sugar-free sweets or chewing sugar-free gum

Om du upplever några andra symtom som du tror kan bero på denna medicin, tala med din läkare eller apotekare för vidare råd.

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you, before you start taking cyproheptadine it is important that you discuss the treatment with a doctor or pharmacist if:

  • You are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

  • You have a problem with the way your liver works, or if you have a problem with your kidneys.

  • You have a condition which causes increased pressure in your eyes, such as glaucoma.

  • You have prostate problems, or if you have been experiencing any difficulty passing urine.

  • You know you have a stomach ulcer or a blockage in your small intestines.

  • You have epilepsy.

  • You have a rare inherited blood condition known as porphyria.

  • You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

  • You have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

  • Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about cyproheptadine tablets and will provide a full list of the side effects.

  • Take cyproheptadine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. The usual recommended doses are:

    • For adults: one tablet (4 mg) three times daily.

    • For children aged 7-14 years: one tablet (4 mg) two or three times daily.

    • For children aged 2-6 years: half a tablet (2 mg) two or three times daily.

  • You can take cyproheptadine before or after meals. Some people find it helps to swallow the tablets with a drink of water.

  • If you forget to take a dose, take the next dose when it is due and then continue as before. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

  • Most people only need to take an antihistamine for a short while when they have symptoms. You should stop taking cyproheptadine once your symptoms have eased.

  • Cyproheptadine can make you feel drowsy (sleepy). If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machinery. Avoid alcohol, as it can make drowsiness worse.

  • If you are having surgery, medical tests, or allergy tests, tell the healthcare professional that you are taking cyproheptadine. You may need to stop it for a short time before some tests.

  • Cyproheptadine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA protection, especially in strong sunlight. Do not use sunbeds.

  • Always check with a pharmacist before taking any new medicines. Some medicines can interact with cyproheptadine and increase side effects.

  • Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

  • Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

How quickly does cyproheptadine work?

Cyproheptadine usually starts working within a few hours for allergy symptom relief.

If used for appetite stimulation, increased hunger may develop within a few days, although this varies between individuals.

Can cyproheptadine be taken long term?

Cyproheptadine is generally intended for short-term or intermittent use, especially for allergy symptoms.

Long-term use may be considered in specific cases (such as appetite stimulation), but only under regular medical supervision due to side effects such as sedation and increased appetite.

Can I drink alcohol while taking cyproheptadine?

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking cyproheptadine. Alcohol can significantly increase drowsiness and impair coordination, making side effects more intense and potentially dangerous.

Does cyproheptadine cause weight gain?

Weight gain can occur as a side effect due to increased appetite and sedation-related reduced activity. This effect varies widely between individuals and is not guaranteed.

Viktig information om alla läkemedel

Never take more than the recommended dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Denna medicin är för dig. Ge den aldrig till andra människor även om deras tillstånd verkar vara detsamma som ditt.

Behåll inte föråldrade eller oönskade mediciner. Ta dem till ditt lokala apotek som kommer att ta hand om dem åt dig.

Om du har några frågor om denna medicin, fråga din apotekare.

Rapportera biverkningar av ett läkemedel eller vaccin

Om du upplever biverkningar kan du rapportera dem online via Yellow Card website.

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Vanliga frågor

Can children take cyproheptadine?

Yes, cyproheptadine can be given to children. The recommended doses vary by age: children aged 7-14 years should take one tablet (4 mg) two or three times daily, and children aged 2-6 years should take half a tablet (2 mg) two or three times daily.

Does cyproheptadine affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Yes, cyproheptadine can make you feel drowsy or sleepy, and it can cause blurred vision. If you experience these side effects, you should not drive or use tools or machinery until you feel better. Alcohol can also worsen drowsiness, so it should be avoided.

Can I take cyproheptadine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding, it is important to discuss the treatment with a doctor or pharmacist before you start taking cyproheptadine.

Should I stop taking cyproheptadine as soon as my symptoms improve?

Yes, most people only need to take an antihistamine for a short period when they have symptoms. You should stop taking cyproheptadine once your allergic symptoms have eased.

Will taking cyproheptadine make my skin more sensitive to the sun?

Yes, cyproheptadine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. It's recommended to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA protection, especially when in strong sunlight. You should also avoid using sunbeds.

What should I do if I miss a dose of cyproheptadine?

If you forget to take a dose, you should take the next dose when it is due and then continue your regular schedule. Do not take two doses together to make up for the forgotten dose.

Are there any conditions that would prevent me from taking cyproheptadine?

Yes, there are several conditions where you should not take cyproheptadine without first speaking to a doctor or pharmacist. These include having liver or kidney problems, glaucoma, prostate problems, difficulty passing urine, a stomach ulcer, a blockage in your small intestines, epilepsy, or a rare inherited blood condition called porphyria.

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About the authorView full bio

Author image

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

Medicine Leaflet Review Manager – Contractor, Pharmacist

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community.

About the reviewerView full bio

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Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP

General Practitioner, Medical Author

MBBS, MRCGP, MRCP (Paediatrics), DCH

Dr Colin Tidy is an NHS Doctor, based in Oxfordshire.

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