Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride (By Mouth)

Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride (si proe-HEP-ta-deen hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats hay fever, cold, and allergy symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and swelling. Belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to cyproheptadine or MAO inhibitors such as Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. Do not give this medicine to a newborn baby. You should not take cyproheptadine if you are breastfeeding, or have glaucoma, stomach ulcers, bladder or intestine problems, or an enlarged prostate.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• You may take your medicine with food to avoid stomach upset.

If a dose is missed:

• Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking cyproheptadine.
• Avoid taking other medicines that may make you sleepy, such as other cold or allergy medicines, sleeping pills, sedatives, or tranquilizers.
• Cyproheptadine should not be taken if you are also taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as Nardil®, Marplan®, or Parnate®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Let your doctor know if you have ever had asthma, heart disease, overactive thyroid, or high blood pressure.
• Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
• This medicine might make you drowsy. Be careful when driving or operating dangerous machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Skin rash, hives, or itching
• Irregular heartbeat
• Hallucinations
• Trouble breathing
• Seizures (convulsions)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Restlessness
• Trouble sleeping
• Ringing or pressure inside ear
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Stomach upset
• Urinating more often
• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.