Cyproheptadine is a piperidine antihistamine. Unlike other antihistamines, this drug also antagonizes serotonin receptors. This action makes Cyproheptadine useful in conditions such as vascular headache and anorexia. Cyproheptadine belongs to a group of drugs known as first-generation antihistamines. Cyproheptadine does not prevent the release of histamine but rather competes with free histamine for binding at HA-receptor sites. Cyproheptadine competitively antagonizes the effects of histamine on HA-receptors in the GI tract, uterus, large blood vessels, and bronchial smooth muscle. Histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergic responses such as a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching. Cyproheptadine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. Cyproheptadine is sometimes used to treat anxiety (nervousness) or insomnia (difficulty falling asleep). It may be used to increase appetite in people who do not eat enough food and to prevent cluster and migraine headaches
Cyproheptadine Warnings and precaucioun:
You should not take cyproheptadine if:•You are allergic to cyproheptadine, any similar drugs, or any other ingredients found in the drug •You live in a place where the weather is very hot most of the time
•You have a blockage in the opening of your bladder •You are breastfeeding •You have glaucoma (especially if it is angle-closure glaucoma)•You have ulcers •You are 65 years of age or older
It's not recommended that newborn babies, premature babies, or children under the age of 2 take cyproheptadine. Also, cyproheptadine can cause some very dangerous side effects in people who are 65 years of age or older, like confusion, drowsiness, and dizziness, which can make them more susceptible to fCyproheptadine has an atropine-like action and, therefore, should be used with caution in patients with: *History of bronchial asthma* Increased intraocular pressure * Hyperthyroidism *Cardiovascular disease*Hypertension alls and other serious accidents.

Talk to your doctor before taking cyproheptadine if you have kidney or liver problems.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Cyproheptadine falls under the FDA's Pregnancy Category B, which means that harm to a developing fetus is unlikely. Regardless, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking this medication.
It's not recommended that breastfeeding mothers take cyproheptadine. You should talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Cyproheptadine Side Effects
Common side effects of cyproheptadine include:
•Dry mouth •Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea •Headache or dizziness •Stomach pain •Tiredness
•Rash or hives •Sensitivity to light •Weight gain •Trouble urinatingSerious side effects include but are not limited to: •Low platelet count (noted by bruising easily and slows clotting) •Heat stroke •Inability of the bone marrow to make certain white blood cells called neutrophils (agranulocytosis)
Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine used to treat sneezing, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms of allergies.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
MAO inhibitors prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of antihistamines. Antihistamines may have additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants, e.g. hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antianxiety agents.
Dosages of Cyproheptadine:
•Adults: 4 mg orally every 8 hours initially; maintenance: 4-20 mg/day, up to 32 mg/day divided every 8 hours in some patients; not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day •Children under 2 years old: Safety and efficacy not established •Children 2-6 years old: 2 mg orally every 8-12 hours; not to exceed 12 mg/day •Children 7-14 years old: 4 mg orally every 8-12 hours; not to exceed 16 mg/day •Alternatively, total daily dose of 0.25 mg/kg or 8 mg/m².
Migraine Headache Prophylaxis (Off-Label):
•Adults: 2 mg orally every 12 hours with or without propanol
•Pediatric, Prophylaxis
•Children under 3 years: Safety and efficacy not established
•Children over 3 years and adolescents: 0.2-0.4 mg/kg/day orally divided twice daily; not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day
Decreased Appetite Secondary to Chronic Disease (Off-label):
•Adults: 2 mg orally every 6 hours for one week; THEN 4 mg orally every 6 hours
•Pediatric, Stimulation of appetite:
•Children under 13 years: Safety and efficacy not established •Children over 13 years: 2 mg orally every 6 hours initially; increased to up to 8 mg every 6 hours over 3 weeks