cyproheptadine hydrochloride 4 MG Oral Tablet

INDICATIONS AND USAGE: Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis, Vasomotor rhinitis, Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods. Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema. Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma. Cold urticaria. Dermatographism. As therapy for anaphylactic reactions adjunctive to epinephrine and other standard measures after the acute manifestations have been controlled.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION DOSAGE SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT. Each 5 mL of Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride Oral Solution contains 2 mg of Cyproheptadine hydrochloride. Although intended primarily for administration to children, the oral solution is also used for administration to adults who cannot swallow tablets. Children The total daily dosage for children may be calculated on the basis of body weight or body area using approximately 0.25 mg/kg/day (0.11 mg/lb/day) or 8 mg per square meter of body surface (8 mg/m 2 ). Age 2 to 6 years The usual dose is 2 mg (one teaspoonful) two or three times a day, adjusted as necessary to the size and response of the patient. The dose is not to exceed 12 mg a day. Age 7 to 14 years The usual dose is 4 mg (two teaspoonsful) two or three times a day, adjusted as necessary to the size and response of the patient. The dose is not to exceed 16 mg a day. Adults The total daily dose for adults should not exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day (0.23 mg/lb/day). The therapeutic range is 4 to 20 mg a day, with the majority of patients requiring 12 to 16 mg a day. An occasional patient may require as much as 32 mg a day for adequate relief. It is suggested that dosage be initiated with 4 mg (two teaspoonsful) three times a day and adjusted according to the size and response of the patient.

WARNINGS Pediatric Patients Overdosage of antihistamines, particularly in infants and young children, may produce hallucinations, central nervous system depression, convulsions, respiratory and cardiac arrest, and death. Antihistamines may diminish mental alertness; conversely, particularly, in the young child, they may occasionally produce excitation. CNS Depressants Antihistamines may have additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants, e.g., hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antianxiety agents. Activities Requiring Mental Alertness Patients should be warned about engaging in activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination, such as driving a car or operating machinery. Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sedation, and hypotension in elderly patients ( see PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use ). Pediatric Patients Overdosage of antihistamines, particularly in infants and young children, may produce hallucinations, central nervous system depression, convulsions, respiratory and cardiac arrest, and death. Antihistamines may diminish mental alertness; conversely, particularly, in the young child, they may occasionally produce excitation. CNS Depressants Antihistamines may have additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants, e.g., hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antianxiety agents. Activities Requiring Mental Alertness Patients should be warned about engaging in activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination, such as driving a car or operating machinery. Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sedation, and hypotension in elderly patients ( see PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use ).

CONTRAINDICATIONS Newborn or Premature Infants This drug should not be used in newborn or premature infants. Lactation Because of the higher risk of antihistamines for infants generally and for newborns and prematures in particular, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers. Other Conditions Hypersensitivity to cyproheptadine and other drugs of similar chemical structure. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy (See DRUG INTERACTIONS ). Angle-closure glaucoma Stenosing peptic ulcer Symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy Bladder neck obstruction Pyloroduodenal obstruction Elderly, debilitated patients Newborn or Premature Infants This drug should not be used in newborn or premature infants. Lactation Because of the higher risk of antihistamines for infants generally and for newborns and prematures in particular, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Cyproheptadine HCI is a serotonin and histamine antagonist with anticholinergic and sedative effects. Antiserotonin and antihistamine drugs appears to compete with serotonin and histamine, respectively, for receptor sites. Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism: After a single 4 mg oral dose of 14C-labeled cyproheptadine HCl normal subjects given as tablets or syrup, 2-20% of the radioactivity was excreted in the stools. Only about 34% of the stool radioactivity was unchanged drug, corresponding to less than 5.7% of the dose. At least 40% of the administered radioactivity was excreted in the urine. No significant difference in the mean urinary excretion exists between the tablet and syrup formulations. No detectable amounts of unchanged drug were present in the urine of patients of chronic 12-20 mg daily doses of cyproheptadine syrup. The principal metabolite found in human urine has been identified as a quaternary ammonium glucuronide conjugate of cyproheptadine. Elimination is diminished in renal insufficiency.