Generic Periactin

Periactin, which is generically known as cyproheptadine, is an antihistamine. Periactin is commonly used treat runny nose, watery eyes, itchiness, sneezing, hives and other symptoms of seasonal allergic reactions and symptoms of the common cold. This medicine can also be used to stimulate appetite in underweight patients; however, it should be noted that this treatment has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Periactin can come as a small, white tablet or may it distributed in its liquid form.

The prescribing physician should be informed if the patient has or ever has had glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye, asthma, hypertension or any type of heart condition, stomach ulcer, overactive thyroid or an enlarged prostate, bladder or difficulty urinating. The patient may not be to take the medication or they have to have their dosage adjusted by the physician. If any MAO inhibitors, such as Marplan, Nardil or Parnate has been taken in the last 14 days then Periactin cannot be taken. Anyone over the age of 60 may experience more side effects than any other users.

The Food and Drug Administration has given the prescription medicine a pregnancy rating of B, which means that this may or may not affect the health of an unborn fetus. Antihistamines have been proven to affect a breast feeding baby and can result in serious side effects. Women should notify the prescribing physician if they are pregnant or may become pregnant or if they are currently breast feeding. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to women who are nursing, and should discuss whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks before prescribing this medication to a woman who is pregnant.

Periactin should be taken as prescribed; the tablet form should be taken with a full glass of water and the liquid form should be measured by a dose measured device and not a common household spoon. The maximum amount that can be taken is 32 mg in a 24 hour period. If a prescribed dose should accidentally be skipped then it should be taken when remembered; unless it is too close to the next scheduled dose. If it is too close to the next schedule dose, only take the scheduled dose and skip the missed dose. If overdose should occur, seek medical attention immediately. The symptoms of overdose can include hallucinations, extreme sleepiness, blurred vision, enlarged pupils, dry mouth, flushing, fever, shaking, insomnia and possibly seizures.

Any allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips or tongue or the presence of hives should result in the discontinuation of the medication and emergency medical attention should sought after immediately. The less severe side effects can include dry mouth, drowsiness and dizziness, fatigue and difficulty urinating or enlarged prostrate. The patient should not attempt to operate motor vehicles, heavy equipment or participate in any activities that require alertness while using the medication.

Periactin can have adverse reaction to other prescribed medication that includes any of the following sleep or anxiety medications or any other medications that may cause drowsiness or sleepiness (alprazolam, triazolam, temazepam, chlordiazepoxide) and any medications used to treat depression (amitriptyline, paroxentine, doxepin, setraline, nortiptyline, fluoxetine). The pharmacist should be aware of any over-the-counter medicine that is being taken during this time; some products may have similar ingredients to antihistamines and an overdose or increased side effects may occur. The pharmacist or physician should have any additional information upon request.