How does it work?

Cyproheptadine belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. Histamine is released when the body responds to an allergen (e.g. pollen, cat hair, 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). Cyproheptadine blocks the action of histamine on H1 receptors, thereby relieving the symptoms of allergic reactions. Cyproheptadine is also used in the prevention or treatment of migraine headaches. It is not fully understood how it 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. Cyproheptadine 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.

What is it used for?

Follow-up treatment for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction)

Migraine

Sudden or ongoing conditions caused by allergy (e.g. itchy rash or nasal congestion)

Sudden or ongoing conditions causing itch (e.g allergy or chickenpox virus)

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

This medicine may cause excitation in young children.

This medicine has no recommended dose for children under 2 years of age.

This medicine should not be used to treat the symptoms of lower airway illnesses such as asthma.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Children under the age of two years, except on medical advice

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Elderly people

High blood pressure

Hyperthyroidism

Increased pressure within the eye

Not to be used in

Blockage of the area where the stomach joins the intestines (pyloro-duodenal obstruction)

Blockage of the drainage passage of the bladder (bladder neck obstruction)

Breastfeeding

Conditions causing urinary retention e.g. enlarged prostate

Elderly incapacitated people

Glaucoma

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

People currently taking monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants

Peptic ulcer causing narrowing of an area of the gut passage

Premature or new-born babies

Sudden asthma attack

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate

This medicine 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 this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

As there is no safety information available, the manufacturer does not recommend the use of this medicine when breastfeeding. Alternatively, if this medicine must be used, the mother should not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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