Periactin (Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Periactin Used For?
Periactin is an antihistamine medication that helps treat allergic reactions and certain types of headaches by blocking the effects of histamine and serotonin in your body.
Primary Uses
Periactin is used to treat allergies and itching (pruritus), and to relieve migraines and vascular types of headaches.
How It Works
Periactin works by competing with serotonin and histamine at receptor sites in your body, which helps reduce allergic reactions and headache symptoms.
Age Restriction: Not recommended for children under 2 years of age due to insufficient safety information.
How to Take Periactin
Take Periactin tablets by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow your doctor’s instructions and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Dosage Instructions
For allergies and itching: Adults take 1 tablet 3 times daily as needed (maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours). Children 7-14 years take 1 tablet 3 times daily (maximum 4 tablets in 24 hours). Children 2-6 years take half tablet 2-3 times daily (maximum 3 tablets in 24 hours). For migraines: Adults take 1 tablet initially, then a second tablet after 30 minutes if needed (maximum 2 tablets every 4-6 hours).
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase your risk of side effects.
Important: Never take more than the recommended dose and do not double up on doses if you forget one.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Skin rash, excessive sweating, or sensitivity to sunlight
- Drowsiness, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion
- Restlessness, excitement, insomnia, irritability, or aggressive behavior
- Dry nose, mouth, and throat
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Urinary retention problems
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Blurred vision
- Anaphylactic shock
- Convulsions
- Hallucinations
- Breathing problems
- Increased or unusual heart rate, such as palpitations
Important Warnings
Before taking Periactin, make sure your doctor knows about all your medical conditions and other medications you’re taking.
Who Should Not Take Periactin
Do not use Periactin if you are allergic to cyproheptadine or any ingredients in the medication. Do not give to newborn or premature infants, as it has been associated with breathing problems, blue skin color, and respiratory difficulty.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: lower respiratory tract symptoms including acute asthma, blood disorders, bronchial asthma, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, or high blood pressure.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed while taking Periactin, as the medication may pass into breast milk and affect your baby.
Infants and Children: Do not give to children under 2 years or to newborn/premature infants due to serious breathing complications.
Drug Interactions
Periactin can interact with other medications, potentially affecting how well they work or increasing side effects.
Tell Your Doctor: Always inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking, including over-the-counter products.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) used for depression such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine
- Central nervous system depressants including hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and antidepressant drugs
Alcohol & Driving
Periactin can affect your ability to drive safely and may increase the effects of alcohol.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Periactin, as it may increase alcohol’s effects. It’s best to avoid alcohol while using this medicine.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Periactin may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything dangerous until you know how the medication affects you. Drowsiness may continue the next day. Children should be careful when riding bicycles or climbing.
Storage
Keep tablets in their original pack until ready to use. Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from heat, moisture, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom or car. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Periactin, seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms can range from nervous system depression or stimulation to convulsions, breathing problems, heart issues, and can be fatal, especially in infants and children. Other symptoms may include dry mouth, dilated pupils, flushing, and stomach problems. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest emergency department immediately, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but drowsiness symptoms are usually mild and short-lived, with many patients not experiencing these after the first 3-4 days of continuous use.
The medication should be taken with a full glass of water. The source doesn’t specify whether it needs to be taken with or without food.
The source does not mention addiction potential for Periactin.
You should be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Periactin, as it may increase the effects of alcohol. It’s best to avoid alcohol while using this medicine.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase your risk of side effects.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects from Periactin.
Yes, tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, as some may interfere with Periactin.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.