Cyproheptadine Uses

Cyproheptadine is used to treat:

• Seasonal allergies or hay fever with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red, itchy, irritated, or watery eyes caused by pollen, mold, dust mites, etc.
• Perennial allergic rhinitis (year-round allergies) caused by airborne allergens (irritants).
• Vasomotor rhinitis (sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, which are not caused by allergies or infections).
• Mild uncomplicated allergic skin reactions (hives, itching).
• Cold urticaria (hives caused by exposure to cold temperatures).
• Dermatographia (a harmless condition in which raised marks appear upon rubbing the skin).
• Continued treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions after they have been controlled with other medications. 

There may be other uses of cyproheptadine, such as to treat Cushing’s syndrome, serotonin syndrome, and antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction; to stimulate appetite and weight gain; and for preventive treatment of childhood migraine attacks—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Cyproheptadine Mechanism of Action

Cyproheptadine is a dual blocker of two substances, serotonin and histamine, in the body. It helps to relieve symptoms of allergies by blocking histamine.

Cyproheptadine Doses

Available dosage forms are cyproheptadine 4 mg tablet and cyproheptadine 2 mg/5 mL oral solution.  

The recommended dosage of cyproheptadine is as follows:

• Children 2 to 6 years: The cyproheptadine dose is calculated based on the child’s body weight. The usual dose is 2 mg (½ tablet) 2-3 times a day. The total dose should not exceed 12 mg/day. 
• Children 7 to 14 years: The recommended dose is 4 mg (1 tablet) 2-3 times a day. The total dose should not exceed 16 mg/day.
• Children 14+ years and adults: The dosage range is 4 mg to 20 mg per day. Most patients benefit from 12 mg to 16 mg per day, although some people need higher doses of up to 32 mg per day. The recommendation is to start with cyproheptadine 4 mg three times a day and adjust the dose based on response.