Generic Periactin, tablets

Chemical Name: CYPROHEPTADINE

Common uses

This medicine is an antihistamine used to treat or prevent symptoms of hay fever and other allergies. It is used to relieve itching associated with some skin conditions and to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. It may also be used for a hormone disorder (cushing's syndrome), sexual function problems due to certain drugs, and eating disorders (anorexia nervosa).

Before using

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking ssris (e.g., fluoxetine, citalopram), maois (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), other allergy medicines, or any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g. Phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including asthma, glaucoma, overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have history of glaucoma (narrow angle), stomach problems (e.g., peptic ulcer, stomach/intestinal obstruction), or urinary problems (e.g., enlarged prostate, bladder obstruction). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Store this medicine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Do not freeze the oral solution. Do not store in the bathroom. If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Taking this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may affect your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. Because this medicine may affect allergy testing, you may have to stop taking it for several days before the tests are performed. Consult your doctor for further instructions. This medicine can affect the results of certain lab test (pituitary-adrenal response). May sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. Do not use this medicine in infants. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially excitement and seizures.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, upset stomach, constipation, increased appetite, weight gain, thickening of mucus in the nose/throat, or dry mouth, throat, or nose may occur. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience mental/mood changes, difficulty urinating, pounding or irregular heartbeat, stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose in children may include mental/mood changes, excitement, or seizures. Symptoms of overdose in adults may include severe drowsiness or loss of consciousness, which may be followed by excitement or seizures.

Additional information

Laboratory or medical test may be performed periodically to monitor you progress or check for side effects. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.