Generic Periactin is used to relieve the symptoms of allergy, such as hay fever, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes.

Generic Periactin also relieves the itchiness associated with some skin problems, such as rash, hives, dermatitis, eczema, mild reactions to insect bites, and chickenpox.

Generic Periactin is also used to treat migraines and other similar headaches, in people whose symptoms have not been relieved by other medicines. Migraine is an intense, throbbing headache, often affecting one side of the head. It often includes nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.

Generic Periactin is not addictive.

Histamine is released when the body responds to an allergen (e.g. pollen, cat hair, and bird feathers. It binds to receptors (H-1 receptors) causing a range of effects, including, widening of small blood vessels in the nose and eyes and contraction of the muscles of the gastro-intestinal and respiratory tracts. These effects are responsible for the characteristic symptoms of allergies (such as inflammation of the skin, airways or tissues, rashes, itching of the skin, eyes or nose, nasal congestion or narrowing of the airways).

Generic Periactin blocks the action of histamine on H1 receptors, thereby relieving the symptoms of allergic reactions.

Generic Periactin is also used in the prevention or treatment of migraine headaches. It is not fully understood how Generic Periactin works in this condition. In addition to blocking the actions of histamine, it blocks the action of a chemical in the brain called serotonin. These chemicals are involved in migraine.

Generic Periactin is called a sedating anti-histamine as it enters the brain in significant quantities and is therefore more likely to cause drowsiness than the newer group of non-sedating anti-histamines.

For allergies and itching:
Adults and children over 14 years
The usual starting dose of Generic Periactin is 4mg (1 tablet) three times a day. The dose may need to be adjusted depending on your response. Do not take more than 8 tablets a day.

Children 7 to 14 years old
The usual starting dose of Generic Periactin is 4mg (1 tablet) two to three times a day. The dose may need to be adjusted depending on the response to Generic Periactin. If an extra dose is needed, it should be given at bedtime. Do not give more than 4 tablets a day.

Children 2 to 6 years old
The usual starting dose of Generic Periactin is half a tablet two to three times a day. The dose may need to be adjusted depending on the response to Generic Periactin. If an extra dose is needed, it should be given at bedtime. Do not give more than 3 tablets a day.

For migraine and vascular types of headaches:
The recommended dose of Generic Periactin is 4mg (1 tablet) initially. This can be repeated in half an hour if necessary. Do not take more than two tablets in a 4 to 6 hour period. Relief from the migraine usually occurs with two doses and is maintained with one tablet every 4 to 6 hours.

Swallow Generic Periactin with a glass of water.

If you miss a Generic Periactin dose
If you miss a dose of Generic Periactin, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses of Generic Periactin.

Generic Periactin Overdose
Generic Periactin overdose can lead to serious consequences.
If you take too many tablets, you may have a dry mouth, dilated pupils, flushing and stomach upsets. Other more serious symptoms, especially in infants and children, include

• hallucinations (seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not there),
• convulsions,
• central nervous system depression,
• respiratory and cardiac arrest, and
• death.

Generic Periactin Storage instructions
Keep Generic Periactin out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store Generic Periactin at room temperature, or below 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed.
Throw away any unused Generic Periactin after the expiration date.

Generic Periactin Preparations:
Generic Periactin Tablet - 4mg

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (such as phenelzine) prolong and intensify the anti-cholinergic effects of antihistamines, such as, dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation.

Some other medicines, which should not be taken with Generic Periactin, include moclobemide and tranylcypromine that are used to treat depression.

These medicines may be affected by Generic Periactin, or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicine, or you may need to take different medicines.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Generic Periactin precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Generic Periactin should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the fetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is recommended not to use Generic Periactin while breast-feeding. Alternatively, if Generic Periactin must be used, the mother should not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Special warnings about Generic Periactin
Before you have any skin tests for allergies, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking Generic Periactin. Generic Periactin may affect the results of the test.

When taking Generic Periactin on a regular basis, make sure your doctor knows if you are taking large amounts of aspirin at the same time (as for arthritis or rheumatism). Generic Periactin may cover up effects of too much aspirin, such as ringing in the ears.

Generic Periactin may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than they are normally. Even if taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Make sure you know how you react to Generic Periactin before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Generic Periactin may cause dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

Why Generic Periactin should not be prescribed?
Generic Periactin should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using Generic Periactin and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Generic Periactin should not be used to treat an acute attack of asthma.
Generic Periactin should not be used if you suffer from any of the following conditions

• a type of glaucoma called angle-closure glaucoma
• a narrowing or blockage between the stomach and the small intestine, which causes the vomiting of undigested food, such as in some stomach ulcers
• prostate problems
• difficulty passing urine

Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether you have any of these conditions.

More common side effects of Generic Periactin may include:

• drowsiness,
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• headache
• loss of appetite
• stomach upset,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• constipation, or
• diarrhea

Less common side effects of Generic Periactin may include:

• agitation,
• nervousness,
• excitability, not able to sleep (these are more likely in children)
• blurred vision
• dizziness or fainting spells
• irregular heartbeat,
• palpitations, or chest pain
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• seizures (convulsions)