Cyproheptadine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines.
Histamine is released when the body responds to an allergen. It binds to 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.
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.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- sudden or ongoing conditions causing itch;
- sudden or ongoing conditions caused by allergy;
- migraine;
- follow-up treatment for a severe allergic reaction;
Cyproheptadine hydrochloride is an antihistamine given to help relieve cold- and allergy-related symptoms such as hay fever, nasal inflammation, stuffy nose, red and inflamed eyes, hives, and swelling. Cyproheptadine hydrochloride may also be given after epinephrine to help treat anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Some doctors prescribe Cyproheptadine hydrochloride to treat cluster headache and to stimulate appetite in underweight people.
Like other antihistamines, Cyproheptadine hydrochloride may make you feel sleepy and sluggish. However, some people, particularly children, may have the opposite reaction and become excited.
Take Cyproheptadine hydrochloride exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
