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Periactin Information

Periactin (Cyproheptadine) is used to relieve the symptoms of allergy, such as hayfever, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes. It also relieves the itchiness associated with some skin problems, such as rash, hives, dermatitis, eczema, mild reactions to insect bites, and chickenpox. 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. Periactin belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine and other substances produced by the body, which are causing your allergy or itchiness. This medication should not be used in newborn or premature infants. Confirm with your doctor if you have any questions about why Periactin has been prescribed for you.

Periactin Side Effects

The most common side effects of Periactin may include difficulty thinking or working because of drowsiness, sleepiness, tiredness, sedation; stomach or bowel problems such as nausea, vomiting, upset stomach; changes in your sight or taste such as blurred vision, dry mouth, nose and throat; disturbed co-ordination, tremor or shaking; excessive perspiration or sweating; and early periods in women. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, nose bleeds;
• Fast or irregular heartbeats, also called palpitations;
• Seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not there;
• Frequent and/or severe infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers;
• Passing urine frequently, difficulty passing urine;
• Signs of anaemia, such as tiredness, being short of breath, looking pale;
• Spinning sensation, also called vertigo;
• Skin rash, pinkish, itchy swellings on the skin, also called hives;
• Tingling or numbness of the hands or feet;
• Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, also called jaundice.

Periactin Precautions

Do not use Periactin if you are allergic to Cyproheptadine or to any other ingredients in this medication. Do not take Periactin to treat an acute attack of asthma or if you have 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; if you are pregnant or breast feeding; are being treated for depression with medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs); if you are elderly and frail or weak. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have lung problems, such as asthma or bronchitis; an overactive thyroid gland; raised eye pressure; heart disease; high blood pressure. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Periactin and other medications. If you feel drowsy, sleepy, tired or dizzy, do not drive a car or operate machinery. Be careful drinking alcohol while taking Periactin. The effects of alcohol can be increased by some antihistamine medicines, including Periactin.

Do I need a prescription to order Periactin?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Periactin.