Cyproheptadine.

Cyproheptadine relieves red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by allergies, irritants in the air, and hay fever. It may also be used to relieve the itching of allergic skin conditions, and to treat hives, including hives caused by exposure to cold temperatures and by rubbing the skin.

Cyproheptadine is also sometimes used to treat allergic reactions in people who have received blood products as part of medical treatment and to treat life-threatening allergic reactions after the symptoms have been brought under control with other medications.

Cyproheptadine should not be used to treat children younger than 2 years of age because it may cause serious or life-threatening side effects in young children. Cyproheptadine should be used carefully in children 2-11 years of age.

Cyproheptadine will help relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of symptoms or speed recovery. Cyproheptadine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children. Cyproheptadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

Cyproheptadine also is used for the treatment of Cushing's Syndrome (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [corticosteroids]) and to treat certain types of headache such as migraine. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

Before taking cyproheptadine,

- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cyproheptadine, other antihistamines, or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: other medications for allergies or colds; medications for anxiety, depression or seizures; muscle relaxants; narcotics medications for pain; sedatives sleeping pills, and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, glaucoma (a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision), ulcers, difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland), heart disease, high blood pressure,seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cyproheptadine, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking cyproheptadine.
- you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.