USES: This medication relieves seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms such as watery/itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. It is also used to relieve itching and hives caused by some skin conditions. Cyproheptadine belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in the body (histamine and serotonin).Do not use this medication in children younger than 2 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all of the doctor's dosage directions. Do not give other cough and cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (e.g., saline nose drops/spray, using a humidifier or infant nasal suction bulb).OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to treat a type of hormone disorder (Cushing's syndrome caused by a pituitary gland problem), and sexual function problems caused by certain drugs.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually 2 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with food to minimize stomach upset. When using the syrup, measure the dose out carefully with a medication spoon/cup.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, the dosage is also based on weight. Children 2 to 6 years of age should not take more than 12 milligrams per day unless directed by the doctor. Children 7 to 14 years of age should not take more than 16 milligrams per day unless directed by the doctor. Adults should not take more than 32 milligrams per day.Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.Do not take this medication for several days before allergy testing since test results can be affected. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an
allergic reaction. The allergy may be to food or medications, but usually the
cause of the allergy (the allergen) is unknown.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
What is hay fever? What are the symptoms and signs?
Hay fever is a misnomer. Hay is not a usual cause of this problem, and it does not cause fever. Early descriptions of sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye irritation while harvesting field hay promoted this popular term.
Allergic rhinitis is the correct term used to describe this allergic reaction, and many different substances cause the allergic symptoms noted in hay fever.
Rhinitis means "irritation of the nose" and is a derivative of rhino, meaning nose. Allergic rhinitis which occurs during a specific season is called "seasonal allergic rhinitis." When it occurs throughout the year, it is called "perennial allergic rhinitis." Rhinosinusitis is the medical term that refers to inflammation of the nasal lining as well as the lining tissues of the sinuses. This term is sometime used because the two conditions frequently occur together.