Cyproheptadine



ViternumŽ







Cyproheptadine

(si proe HEP ta deen)

Mexican Brand Names
ViternumŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Antihistamine
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to a newborn.
  • If you have an allergy to cyproheptadine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Asthma, glaucoma, intestinal blockage, or urinary tract blockage.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used as an appetite stimulant.
  • This medicine is used to relieve allergy symptoms.
  • This medicine is used to treat headaches.
  • This medicine is used to treat hives.
  • This medicine is used to treat swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
How does it work?
  • Cyproheptadine blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
  • It affects centers in the brain to increase appetite and prevent headaches.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours before.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • A liquid (syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 6 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Unable to pass urine.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: