Periactin (Cyproheptadine)

What is/are Periactin?

CYPROHEPTADINE is a antihistamine. This medicine is used to treat allergy symptoms. It is can help stop runny nose, watery eyes, and itchy rash. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• any chronic disease
• glaucoma
• prostate disease
• ulcers or other stomach problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cyproheptadine, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
• medicines for depression, anxiety or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for movement abnormalities
• medicines for sleep
• medicines for stomach problems
• some medicines for cold or allergies

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• agitation, nervousness, excitability, not able to sleep
• chest pain
• irregular, fast heartbeat
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• seizures
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation or diarrhea
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach upset
• weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.