Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine that in many ways is similar to other antihistamines with which we are more familiar. Histamine, a biochemical mediator of inflammation, works by binding to histamine receptors. The histamine receptors we usually want to inactivate in combating allergic reactions are called H1 receptors and this is the type inactivated by cyproheptadine. (There are H2 receptors but those are responsible for acid secretion in the stomach.)
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking cyproheptadine. Do not take cyproheptadine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Periactin can also be used to treat allergy symptoms. The symptoms it is known for treating in regards to inhalant allergies such as ragweed and pollen are watery, itchy eyes, hives and rashes.
|
