Generic Periactin

Common use

Periactin is an antihistamine which used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergy. This medication is preventing the effects of histamine, which is produced by the body. Also Periactin is used to prevent such symptoms as motion sickness, vomiting, nausea, and dizziness. Sometimes Periacitin prescribe to treat cluster headache and to stimulate appetite in underweight people.



Dosage and direction

Consult with your doctor before using. Use no more than was prescribed. Take each dose of Periactin with full glass of water, with or without food. Do not take more than 32 mg Periactin in 1 day. The recommended dose for adults is 4 milligrams (1 tablet) 3 times daily. Dosage may various from 4 mg to 20 mg a day, but most commonly used is from 12 mg to 16 mg. In patients over 65, the doctor will probably keep the dosage relatively low.

The recommended dose for children 7 to 14 years old is 4 milligrams (1 tablet) 2 or 3 times a day. Do not take more than 16 milligrams a day.

The recommended dose for children 2 to 6 years old is 2 milligrams (one-half tablet) 2 or 3 times a day. Do not take more than 12 milligrams a day.

Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It's very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It help you to get best results.



Precautions

Be careful because Periactin can make you drowsy or impair your coordination. Be more attention while you driving, climbing, or operating machinery, or doing hazardous tasks until you know how you react to Periactin. Also use this medication with cautions if your medical history include bronchial asthma, glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland, high blood pressure, heart disease, or circulatory problems. Periactin should not be used during pregnancy, becoming pregnancy or lactating. Do not use before breast-feeding without doctor's advice.



Contraindications

Periactin is contraindicated in:

patients undergoing therapy for an acute asthmatic attack;

newborn or premature infants; use in infants has been associated with apnoea, cyanosis and respiratory difficulty

breast-feeding mothers;

patients with known sensitivity to cyproheptadine hydrochloride or drugs with similar chemical structure;

concurrent use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors;

glaucoma;

patients with pyloroduodenal obstruction, stenosing peptic ulcer, symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy, predisposition to urinary retention or bladder neck obstruction;

elderly, debilitated patients.



Possible side effect

They may include an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Also the most possible side effects include:

confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

seizure (convulsions);

ringing in your ears;

feeling like you might pass out;

fast or pounding heartbeats;

easy bruising or bleeding;

urinating less than usual or not at all; or

pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, or unusual weakness.

Less serious include:

mild drowsiness, dizziness, or spinning sensation;

restlessness or excitability (especially in children);

sleep problems (insomnia), tired feeling;

numbness or tingly feeling;

increased sweating or urination;

blurred vision;

appetite changes;

dry mouth or nose, upset stomach; or

nausea, diarrhea, constipation.

If you experience one of them stop using Periactin and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.



Drug interaction

Periactin interact with such medication as: isocarboxazid (Marplan); phenelzine (Nardil); rasagiline (Azilect); selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam); or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Also note that interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual it affects the the effect of drugs, so consult with your doctor about how it interactions are being managed or should be managed.



Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.



Overdose

Symptoms of Periacitin overdose may include: extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, very dry mouth, large pupils, pale skin, vomiting, or fainting. If you experience one of them call your doctor immediately.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)