Periactin is a brand name for the prescription drug cyproheptadine hydrochloride. It is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, as well as other medical conditions such as migraines, colds, and even breathing difficulties. It is also sometimes used to help increase appetite in people with cancer or AIDS.
Periactin works by blocking the action of histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical that is released in the body during an allergic reaction. By blocking the action of histamine, Periactin can reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction, including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes.
Periactin can also be used to treat migraines. It works by blocking the release of serotonin, a chemical that can cause the blood vessels in the brain to constrict and cause a migraine. By blocking serotonin, Periactin can help to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines.
In addition to its use in treating allergies and migraines, Periactin is also sometimes used to help increase appetite in people with cancer or AIDS. It works by stimulating the appetite-stimulating hormone, ghrelin. By stimulating ghrelin, Periactin can help to increase appetite and improve the quality of life in people with cancer or AIDS.
The active ingredient in Periactin is cyproheptadine hydrochloride. It is also known by other names, including cyproheptadine, cyproheptadine HCl, cyproheptadine hydrochloride, cyproheptadine HCl, and cyproheptadine hydrochloride.
Periactin is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects. These may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and stomach upset. It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.
It is also important to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Periactin may not be safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Periactin is a prescription drug that can be used to treat allergies, migraines, and to increase appetite in people with cancer or AIDS. It works by blocking the action of histamine, serotonin, and ghrelin, and it is generally well-tolerated. However, it can cause some side effects, so it is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of them.
References:
Boehringer Ingelheim. (2020). Periactin (cyproheptadine hydrochloride). Retrieved from https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/products/rx/periactin-cyproheptadine-hcl
Drugs.com. (2020). Cyproheptadine. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/mtm/cyproheptadine.html
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Cyproheptadine. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/cyproheptadine-oral-route/description/drg-20068252