Periactin

INDICATIONS

Periactin 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. Periactin may also be given after epinephrine to help treat anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Some doctors prescribe Periactin to treat cluster headache and to stimulate appetite in nderweight people.

INSTRUCTIONS

Take Periactin exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
• Take Periactin by mouth with or without food.
• Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of Periactin, 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.
• Always ask a doctor before giving a cold or allergy medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cold and allergy medicines in very young children.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Periactin.

STORAGE

Store Periactin at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Periactin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Cyproheptadine.

You should not use Periactin if you are allergic to cyproheptadine, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma;
• a stomach ulcer or obstruction;
• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• if you are having an asthma attack;
• if you are elderly or have a debilitating disease.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• glaucoma;
• a history of asthma;
• high blood pressure;
• heart disease; or
• an overactive thyroid.

FDA pregnancy category B. Periactin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Periactin passes into breast milk, but if it does it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication while you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give Periactin to a child younger than 2 years old. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from Periactin.

Important safety information:

• Periactin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
• Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of Periactin.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking Periactin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• seizure (convulsions);
• ringing in your ears;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, or unusual weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild drowsiness, dizziness, or spinning sensation;
• restlessness or excitability (especially in children);
• sleep problems (insomnia), tired feeling;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• increased sweating or urination;
• blurred vision;
• appetite chnages;
• dry mouth or nose, upset stomach; or
• nausea, diarrhea, constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.