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Periactin Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Cyproheptadine hydrochloride

Periactin is an antihistamine and it is ased to treat cold- and allergy-related symptoms such as hay fever, nasal inflammation, stuffy nose, red and inflamed eyes, hives, and swelling. Cyproheptadine work by blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body. Periactin may also be given after epinephrine to help treat anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. It may also use to treat the itching of insect bites, bee stings, poison ivy, and poison oak.

Periactin Dosage

• The usual starting dose is 4 milligrams (1 tablet) 3 times daily. Dosage may also range from 4 to 20 milligrams a day, but most people will take between 12 and 16 milligrams.
• For childrens who have ages 2 to 6 Years, then the usual dose is 2 milligrams (one-half tablet) 2 or 3 times a day. A child this age should not take more than 12 milligrams a day.
• For childrens who have ages 7 to 14 Years, the usual dose is 4 milligrams (1 tablet) 2 or 3 times a day.

Uses of Periactin

• Cyproheptadine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching, watery eyes, hives, rashes, itching, and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.
• cyproheptadine may also used to stimulate appetite in underweight patients.

Side Effects of Periactin

If you are using Periactin, then discuss the side effects of Periactin with your doctor and if you feel any develop or change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Periactin. Side effects may include:

• anemia
• confusion
• convulsions
• dry mouth
• excessive perspiration
• fluttery or throbbing heartbeat
• hysteria
• irritability
• lack of coordination

Warnings and precautions before taking Periactin:

• If you are taking Periactin, then Periactin may make you drowsy or impair your coordination. So be careful about driving, climbing, or operating machinery, or doing hazardous tasks.
• You should tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cyproheptadine or any other drugs.
• If you are taking prescription and nonprescription medications, especially medications for allergies or colds, medications for depression or seizures, muscle relaxants, narcotics, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins, then tell your doctor. So do not use cyproheptadine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 2 weeks.
• If you have asthma, diabetes, glaucoma, ulcers, difficulty urinating, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland, then you should tell your doctor.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with Periactin, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of Periactin. So first consult to your doctor before combining Periactin medicine with the following drugs.

• Antidepressant drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and Parnate
• Sedatives such as Nembutal and Seconal
• Tranquilizers such as Librium and Valium

Overdose

After taking Periactin, If you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately. Symptoms of Periactin overdose may include:

• Dilated pupils
• dry mouth
• fever
• stomach or bowel distress
• stupor or coma