Peritol
Drug name: Peritol
Other names used:
- Periactin®
Active Ingredients:
Cyproheptadine
Therapeutic actions: Cyproheptadine belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. 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.
Indications: Peritol is used for:
- Follow-up treatment for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction)
- Migraine
- Sudden or ongoing conditions caused by allergy (e.g. itchy rash or nasal congestion)
- Sudden or ongoing conditions causing itch (e.g allergy or chickenpox virus)
Contraindications and cautions:
You should not use this medication in:
- Blockage of the area where the stomach joins the intestines (pyloro-duodenal obstruction)
- Blockage of the drainage passage of the bladder (bladder neck obstruction)
- Breastfeeding
- Conditions that cause difficulty passing urine or urine retention, eg enlarged prostate gland
- Elderly incapacitated people
- Glaucoma
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
- People currently taking monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) Antidepressants
- Peptic ulcer causing narrowing of an area of the gut passage (stenosing peptic ulcer)
- Premature or new-born babies
- Sudden asthma attack
- Symptoms of an enlarged prostate (symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy)
You should tell your health care provider prior to taking this medication in:
- Asthma
- Children under the age of two years, except on medical advice
- Disease involving the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease)
- Elderly people
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Increased pressure within the eye
Warning!
- This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.
- This medicine may cause excitation in young children.
- This medicine has no recommended dose for children under 2 years of age.
- This medicine should not be used to treat the symptoms of lower airway illnesses such as asthma.
Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- dry mouth, nose, and throat
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- nausea
- chest congestion
- headache
- excitement (especially in children)
- muscle weakness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- difficulty urinating
- vision problems
- nervousness
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to :
- medications for anxiety, depression or seizures; muscle relaxants; narcotics medications for pain; sedatives sleeping pills, and tranquilizers.
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
