Periactin – What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters

When talking about Periactin, the brand name for cyproheptadine, an antihistamine that also acts as an appetite stimulant. It’s also known as Cyproheptadine, a medication that blocks histamine and serotonin receptors to calm allergy symptoms and boost hunger.

Periactin belongs to the broader class of antihistamines, drugs that inhibit the action of histamine at H1 receptors, reducing itching, swelling, and runny nose. Because it also blocks serotonin, it doubles as a appetite stimulant, a medication that encourages food intake, often used for patients with weight‑loss concerns or severe nausea. This dual‑action makes Periactin a unique tool for both allergy relief and nutrition support.

One key property of cyproheptadine is its role as a serotonin antagonist, a compound that blocks serotonin receptors, helping to curb migraines and reduce serotonin‑related side effects. That means Periactin can be useful for migraine prophylaxis, especially when standard treatments fall short. It also means you need to watch for interactions with other serotonin‑affecting drugs, such as SSRIs or triptans.

In practice, doctors prescribe Periactin for allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and sometimes for mastocytosis. The drug’s appetite‑stimulating effect is leveraged in pediatric cases of failure to thrive or in adults dealing with chemotherapy‑induced loss of appetite. Typical adult dosing starts at 4 mg at bedtime and may be increased to 8 mg twice daily, but adjustments depend on age, weight, and the condition being treated.

Side effects are generally mild but worth noting. Drowsiness tops the list, followed by dry mouth, constipation, and occasionally visual disturbances. Because Periactin crosses the blood‑brain barrier, it can cause dizziness or mood changes, especially in higher doses. Patients with glaucoma, urinary retention, or a history of heart disease should discuss risks with their physician before starting therapy.

Drug interactions require particular attention. Combining Periactine with other central nervous system depressants—like benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol—can amplify sedation. Its serotonin‑antagonist action may blunt the effectiveness of SSRIs, leading to serotonin syndrome if dosages are not monitored carefully. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over‑the‑counter products you use.

Compared with newer antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine, Periactin’s sedating profile is stronger, but its appetite‑stimulating benefit is unmatched. If you need a non‑sedating option for pure allergy relief, those newer agents may be preferable. However, when weight gain or appetite support is a priority, Periactin remains a go‑to choice for many clinicians.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that dive deeper into Periactin’s place among anti‑anginal drugs, its socioeconomic impact, and comparative studies with other medications. Whether you’re looking for dosing charts, side‑effect management tips, or how Periactin stacks up against alternatives, the posts ahead give practical, up‑to‑date information to help you make informed decisions.