Are you itching? Are you losing your appetite? Let's learn about Cyproheptadine?

Sometimes you feel achy all over, or you have a runny nose and watery eyes, right? Some people lose all interest in eating and develop anorexia. When you see a doctor at a time like this, there's a good chance they'll prescribe you a medicine called Cyproheptadine. So today, let's talk about this medicine, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.

What is Cyproheptadine?

Simply put, this is a medicine that works against a chemical called 'histamine'. Histamine is the main reason why our bodies get allergies. Imagine, when something like dust enters your body, our body's immune system produces this histamine in response. That's when things like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and red, watery eyes happen.

So what this cyproheptadine medicine does is stop the action of that histamine. That's why your allergy symptoms are controlled. In addition, this medicine has another special ability. That is, it increases appetite . That is why sometimes doctors recommend this medicine to people who have lost their appetite after an illness, and to underweight children to increase their appetite.

Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this medication for you, it is extremely important that you tell him some facts about your health condition. Because based on that information, he will be able to decide whether this medication is suitable for you or not, or how it should be given.

• About any chronic disease you have.
• If you have glaucoma , a condition in which the pressure in the eye increases.
• If you are a man, you have prostate disease .
• If you have stomach ulcers or other stomach problems.
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to this cyproheptadine medication, other medications, foods, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant , or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .

It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor without hiding these things.

How should I use the medicine?

This medicine comes in the form of a syrup. Be aware of these things when using it.

• Take this medicine with a glass of water.
• Follow the dosage and time prescribed by your doctor exactly.
• Use the special measuring cup or spoon provided for measuring the medicine. Do not use regular teaspoons at home, as their measurements are not accurate.
• Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals. Do not take it more often than the doctor tells you to.

If you give it to children...

Doctors recommend this medicine for children over 2 years of age in some selected cases. However, special care should be taken. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, it is best to talk to a pediatrician about it and seek advice.

What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)

If you think you have taken more medicine than prescribed, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Some medications can cause problems when taken together with cyproheptadine (drug interactions).

There is another type of medication that is absolutely not recommended for use with this medication. That is a class of medications used for mental illnesses called MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate). If you are taking any of these medications, be sure to tell your doctor.

In addition, this medicine may interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Sleeping pills or anti-seizure medications (barbiturates)
• Medications for conditions like depression and anxiety
• Some medicines for colds or other allergies
• Sleep aid
• Some medicines for stomach problems

This list is not exhaustive. So when you see your doctor, tell them about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements), and whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.

Be careful about these things when taking medication.

• Drowsiness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other tasks that require concentration until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful, especially if you are elderly, as you may feel dizzy and fall when standing up or sitting down too quickly.
• Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can make the medication more drowsy.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect of this medication. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on unsweetened candy, and drinking plenty of water can help.
• Dry eyes: Dry eyes can cause blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience some discomfort. This can be relieved by using lubricating eye drops.
• Sun sensitivity: This medication may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). So be careful in strong sunlight. If you are going to be in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin and apply sunscreen.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medication, cyproheptadine can cause side effects. While most of these are minor, there are some things we should be especially aware of.

How should I store the medicine?

• Keep it out of reach of children . This is very important.
• Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
• Keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Be sure to throw away expired medication.

Cyproheptadine, side effects, allergies, appetite loss, drowsiness, medication, drugs