Periactin belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. Periactin works by blocking the action of histamine and other substances produced by the body, which are causing your allergy or itchiness.

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

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

Periactin

Periactin (cyproheptadine) belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines.

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

Take Periactin only when prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will tell you how many tablets you need to take each day.

For allergies and itching:
Adults and children over 14 years
The usual starting dose of Periactin is 4 mg (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 Periactin is 4 mg (1 tablet) two to three times a day. The dose may need to be adjusted depending

There may be an increase in sedation when Periactin is taken with alcohol or other sedating medicines such as anti-anxiety medicines, hypnotics, sedatives or tranquillizers.

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 Periactin, include moclobemide and tranylcypromine that are used to treat depression.

These medicines may be affected by

Most Important Fact about Periactin

Periactin should not be used for children less than 2 years of age. Periactin may cause excitation in them.

Periactin precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
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 Periactin while breast-feeding. Alternatively,

More common side effects of Periactin may include:

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

Less common side effects of Periactin may include:

• agitation,
• nervousness,
• excitability, not able to sleep (these are more likely in children)
• blurred vision
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