It is also indicated as adjunctive therapy to adrenaline and other standard measures for the relief of anaphylactic reactions after the acute manifestations have been controlled.
Indications:Used for treating various types of allergic reactions and the skin manifestations of allergic reactions:
- skin allergies with itchiness, swelling, or red skin, eczema or nettle rash
- itchiness of chicken pox and reactions to insect bites and stings
- sneezing, watery eyes and blocked or runny nose caused by an allergy (allergic rhinitis)
- conjunctivis caused by an allergy – with red, watery, inflamed eyes
- migraine and other similar headaches
Pharmacology: Cyproheptadine is a serotonin and histamine antagonist with anticholinergic and sedative effects. Antiserotonin and antihistamine drugs appear to compete with serotonin and histamine, respectively, for receptor sites.
Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism:
After a single 4 mg oral dose of Cyproheptadine HCl in normal subjects, given as tablets, 2 to 20% of the radioactivity was excreted in the stools. Only about 34% of the stool radioactivity was unchanged drug, corresponding to less than 5.7% of the dose. At least 40% of the administered radioactivity was excreted in the urine. No detectable amounts of unchanged drug were present in the urine of patients on chronic 12 to 20 mg daily doses. The principle metabolite found in human urine has been identified as a quaternary ammonium glucuronide conjugate of cyproheptadine. Elimination is diminished in renal insufficiency.
Contraindications:
Use of Cyproheptadine HCl tablet is contraindicated in newborn or premature infants. Other contraindications include hypersensitivity to any ingredient of formulation, angle-closure glaucoma, stenosing peptic ulcer, symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy, bladder neck obstruction and pyloroduodenal obstruction.
Precautions :
Cyproheptadine has an atropine-like action therefore, should be used with caution in patients with history of bronchial asthma, increased intraocular pressure, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Antihistamines may diminish mental alertness; conversely, particularly, in the young child, they may occasionally produce excitation. Patients should be warned about engaging in activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination.
Overdose of antihistamines, particularly in infants and children, may produce hallucinations, central nervous system depression, convulsions and death.
Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sedation and hypotension in elderly.
Pregnancy and Lactation:
Because of the higher risk of antihistamines in newborns and prematures, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers.
Caution: Since this drug produces drowsiness occasionally, it is advisable to avoid and operate machineries after taking this drug.
Intractions:
MAO inhibitors prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of antihistamines. This tablet may have additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants like, hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers and anti anxiety agents.
Adverse Drug Reactions:
- Heart and circulation
- Feeling like you have a missed heart beat
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Palpitations
- Nosebleeds
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry & dark place. Protected from direct sunlight.