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What is Periactin
CyproheptadineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCyproheptadine is a medication that blocks the action of two chemicals, serotonin and histamine. It is most commonly used to treat allergies, but it can also be used to increase appetite and to treat serotonin syndrome.
Cyproheptadine Hydrochlorideis the brand name
Periactin Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride
Cyproheptadine
1981
78
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Cyproheptadine, also known as Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses such as Anaphylaxis .Anaphylaxis
Used to treat Anaphylaxis in combination with Epinephrine
Effectiveness
How Periactin Affects PatientsCyproheptadine has been found to reduce the effects of serotonin on the body, such as a narrowing of the lungs and blood vessels. It has also been seen to be effective at preventing anaphylactic shock, although the exact reason is unclear and may be related to its effects on serotonin.
How Periactin works in the bodyCyproheptadine works by blocking histamine and serotonin from binding to their receptors. This allows it to reduce allergic reactions, and also stimulates the appetite center in the brain, which helps people eat more.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Periactin is contingent upon the indicated condition, such as dermatographism, Desire for food and Hay Fever. The dosage amount is contingent upon the administering approach specified in the accompanying table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Itching
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Vasomotor Rhinitis
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Anaphylaxis
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Cold urticaria
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Conjunctivitis
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
dermatographism
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Serotonin Syndrome
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Desire for food
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Hay Fever
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Conjunctivitis
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Blood Transfusion
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Angioedema and urticaria
, 4.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL, 0.4 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Warnings
Periactin has ten contraindications and should not be administered when contending with the conditions in the following table.Periactin ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Frailty
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
pyloroduodenal obstruction
Do Not Combine
Peptic Ulcer
Do Not Combine
Prostatic Hypertrophy
Do Not Combine
Bladder Neck Obstruction
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Cyproheptadine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Periactin Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Aclidinium
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Cyproheptadine is combined with Aclidinium.
Azelastine
Major
Cyproheptadine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Cimetropium
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Cyproheptadine is combined with Cimetropium.
Eluxadoline
Major
The risk or severity of constipation can be increased when Cyproheptadine is combined with Eluxadoline.
Ethanol
Major
Cyproheptadine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Ethanol.
Periactin Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking too much cyproheptadine may cause severe drowsiness, dry mouth, and flushing. Most patients recover without serious effects, but if someone has overdosed on cyproheptadine, they should induce vomiting (if they have not already), use syrup of ipecac, and consider using gastric lavage and activated charcoal. To treat low blood pressure, vasopressors may be used, and physostigmine salicylate may be used to treat severe symptoms involving the central nervous system.
Periactin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Periactin?
Currently, there are 20 active trials investigating the potential of Periactin in alleviating Cold urticaria, Hay Fever and Stimulating Appetite.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Vasomotor Rhinitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Blood Transfusion
0 Actively Recruiting
Serotonin Syndrome
2 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Phase 2
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR)
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Cold urticaria
0 Actively Recruiting
Hay Fever
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
dermatographism
0 Actively Recruiting
Angioedema and urticaria
0 Actively Recruiting
Anaphylaxis
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable
Desire for food
0 Actively Recruiting
Conjunctivitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Itching
10 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
Conjunctivitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Periactin Reviews: What are patients saying about Periactin?
5Patient Review
5/7/2013 I was able to effectively get Periactin pills.
5Patient Review
1/1/2014 This pill really helped me with my hives. They would go away for a few days and then come back, but as long as I took the pill, they stayed gone. I think my hives were caused by anxiety and stress.
4.7Patient Review
12/2/2015 When I first started this medication, I gained weight rapidly; going from 94lbs to 125lbs in a matter of weeks. After reaching my goal weight, I stopped the medication and within 4 months had gone back down to 104lbs. Recently, I restarted the medication (one pill per day) and have already seen results, gaining 6lbs in just one week. This stuff really works!
4.3Patient Review
2/23/2013 I'm glad that this medication is working well for my son. He's been 11 years old and dealing with severe migraines for about the past month and a half, but since we started using periactin, the headaches have become less severe. With any luck, he'll be able to return to school soon enough.
4Patient Review
6/15/2014 I'm currently taking this medication for vestibular migraines, which have stopped after two weeks. However, I have put on a few kilos and wish to stop the medication because of this side effect.
4Patient Review
6/3/2014 This helped me a lot with my allergies.
3.7Patient Review
9/21/2013 While this medication was effective in quickly getting rid of my hives, I had to discontinue use because it left me feeling depressed and exhausted. Additionally, it blocks the body's serotonin.
3.3Patient Review
1/21/2013 It's alright, I guess.
1.3Patient Review
7/15/2012 I experienced seratonin syndrome, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, a high pulse rate, extreme coldness, and crying.
1Patient Review
11/16/2012 I don't have the disorder of cranial blood vessels, but I am having really bad headaches. I haven't taken this medicine yet and was wondering if anyone could give me any advise on taking this medicine for headaches.I also don't like the idea of gaining weight while taking this medicine.
1Patient Review
11/18/2015 I didn't have a good experience with this medication. It made me very drowsy and I had restless legs, which is a feeling I really hate.
Patient Q&A Section about periactin
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Periactin used for weight gain?
"Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine medicine that is used to stimulate the appetite and promote weight gain."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of taking Periactin?
"You may experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, or dry mouth/nose/throat while taking this medication. If you experience any of these symptoms, please tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. To relieve dry mouth, suck on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chew sugarless gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute."
Answered by AI
What is Periactin used for?
"This medication is used to relieve allergy symptoms, headaches, and motion sickness. It may also be prescribed to children to help them increase their appetite, empty their stomachs, and improve symptoms of nausea and vomiting."
Answered by AI
Why was Periactin taken off the market?
"At that time, FDA used its power under $ 314.161(a) to decide if Periactin 4-mg tablets were removed from store shelves for safety or effectiveness reasons. After looking through agency records, FDA has decided that Periactin 4-mg tablets were not removed from store shelves for safety or effectiveness reasons."
Answered by AI