Periactin

Generic Name: Cyproheptadine
Brand Names: Periactin

Periactin (Cyproheptadine) is used for:

• Treating allergy symptoms (seasonal and year-round) and mild, uncomplicated hives. It may also be used to treat certain conditions as determined by your doctor that may not be listed in the professional package insert.
• Periactin (Cyproheptadine) is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine and reducing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
• Periactin (Cyproheptadine) may also be used to combat SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.

Do NOT use Periactin (Cyproheptadine) if:

• • you are allergic to any ingredient in Periactin (Cyproheptadine)
  • you are breast-feeding
  • you are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors within the last 14 days
  • you have narrow-angle glaucoma, peptic ulcer, an enlarged prostate, an obstruction of the urinary tract, or you are elderly and debilitated
• Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Periactin (Cyproheptadine) :

• Some medical conditions may interact with Periactin (Cyproheptadine) . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
  • if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you have asthma, glaucoma, difficulty urinating, stomach problems, prostate problems, overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or a gastric or urinary tract obstruction
• Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Periactin (Cyproheptadine) . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
  • MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine) because psychotic reactions may occur
  • Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine) because their effectiveness may be decreased
• This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Periactin (Cyproheptadine) may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Periactin (Cyproheptadine) :

• Use Periactin (Cyproheptadine) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
  • Periactin (Cyproheptadine) may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
  • If you miss a dose of Periactin (Cyproheptadine) , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
• Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Periactin (Cyproheptadine) .

Important safety information:

• Periactin (Cyproheptadine) may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Periactin (Cyproheptadine) . Using Periactin (Cyproheptadine) alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Limit your alcohol consumption while you are taking Periactin (Cyproheptadine) . Periactin (Cyproheptadine) will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.
• Sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
• Periactin (Cyproheptadine) may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Periactin (Cyproheptadine) . Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
• Periactin (Cyproheptadine) can affect the results of allergy tests and certain lab tests (eg, pituitary-adrenal response). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you are using Periactin (Cyproheptadine) . Consult your doctor for further instructions.
• Use Periactin (Cyproheptadine) with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Do not use Periactin (Cyproheptadine) in infants. Periactin (Cyproheptadine) is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 2 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed. In young children, Periactin (Cyproheptadine) may cause excitation and seizures.
• . PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if Periactin (Cyproheptadine) is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Periactin (Cyproheptadine) .

Possible side effects of Periactin (Cyproheptadine) :

• All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
  • Abnormal skin sensations
  • blurred vision
  • changes in appetite
  • changes in menstrual flow
  • changes in weight
  • chills
  • confusion
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • double vision
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth, throat, and nose
  • earache
  • early menstruation
  • exaggerated sense of well-being
  • excessive sweating
  • excitation
  • feeling of a whirling motion
  • frequent urination
  • headache
  • incoordination
  • irritability
  • low blood pressure
  • nausea
  • nervousness
  • restlessness
  • ringing in the ears
  • sensitivity to light
  • sleeplessness
  • stuffy nose
  • thickening of the mucus in the nose/throat
  • tightness of chest
  • upset stomach
  • urinary retention
  • vomiting
  • weight gain
  • wheezing.
• Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
  • Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
  • convulsions
  • dark urine
  • difficulty urinating
  • hallucinations
  • hysteria
  • mental/mood changes
  • pounding or irregular heartbeat
  • stomach pain
  • unusual tiredness
  • yellowing eyes or skin.

Where to find the shelf life of the medicines?

• The expiration date can be found on each blister. It is different for different batches. The usual shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture but it may differ from batch to batch depending on date they were manufactured.