Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
What Is Cyproheptadine?
Cyproheptadine (cyproheptadine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine used to treat sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms of allergies. Cyproheptadine is available in generic form.
What Are Side Effects of Cyproheptadine?
Common side effects of Cyproheptadine include:
- drowsiness,
- tired feeling,
- sleep problems (insomnia),
- dizziness,
- spinning sensation,
- blurred vision,
- loss of coordination,
- upset stomach,
- nausea,
- diarrhea,
- constipation,
- appetite changes,
- weight gain,
- restlessness or excitability (especially in children),
- numbness or tingly feeling,
- increased sweating or urination,
- thickening of mucus in the nose/throat, or
- dry mouth/throat/nose.
Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Cyproheptadine including:
- mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, confusion, hallucinations),
- shaking (tremor),
- difficulty urinating, or
- fast/irregular heartbeat.
Dosage for Cyproheptadine?
Adult dosing for cyproheptadine ranges from 4 mg to 20 mg per day. Pediatric dosing is usually calculated based on body weight.
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Cyproheptadine?
Cyproheptadine may adversely interact with some medications including anticholinergic drugs, antispasmodic drugs, drugs for Parkinson's disease, MAO inhibitors, SSRI antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, medicine for sleep or anxiety, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers, psychiatric medicines, or any medication that may cause drowsiness, including cough-and-cold products.
Cyproheptadine During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
This medication should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the nursing infant, breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Additional Information
Our Cyproheptadine Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
QUESTION
Allergies can best be described as: See AnswerGet emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using cyproheptadine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- tremor, seizure (convulsions);
- confusion, hallucinations;
- little or no urination;
- fast or pounding heartbeats;
- easy bruising or bleeding;
- ringing in your ears; or
- pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, weakness.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness, dizziness;
- dry mouth, nose, or throat;
- constipation;
- blurred vision; or
- feeling restless or excited (especially in children).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
SLIDESHOW
Could I Be Allergic? Discover Your Allergy Triggers See SlideshowSIDE EFFECTS
Adverse reactions which have been reported with the use of antihistamines are as follows:
Central Nervous System
Sedation and sleepiness (often transient), dizziness, disturbed coordination, confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, paresthesias, neuritis, convulsions, euphoria, hallucinations, hysteria, faintness.
Integumentary
Allergic manifestation of rash and edema, excessive perspiration, urticaria, photosensitivity.
Special Senses
Acute labyrinthitis, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus.
Cardiovascular
Hypotension, palpitation, tachycardia, extrasystoles, anaphylactic shock.
Hematologic
Hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia.
Digestive System
Cholestasis, hepatic failure, hepatitis, hepatic function abnormality, dryness of mouth, epigastric distress, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, jaundice.
Genitourinary
Urinary frequency, difficult urination, urinary retention, early menses.
Respiratory
Dryness of nose and throat, thickening of bronchial secretions, tightness of chest and wheezing, nasal stuffiness.
Miscellaneous
Fatigue, chills, headache, increased appetite/weight gain.
Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Cyproheptadine (Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride)
© Cyproheptadine Patient Information is supplied by Cerner Multum, Inc. and Cyproheptadine Consumer information is supplied by First Databank, Inc., used under license and subject to their respective copyrights.
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