Cyproheptadine (Generic) HCl Tablets, 4-mg, 100 tablet

Cyproheptadine is a medication used to treat multiple conditions in animals. In dogs and cats, it is used as an antihistamine and as a treatment for a disease called serotonin syndrome. In cats, it also works as an appetite stimulant. In horses, it may be used to treat head shaking and Cushing's disease.

• Used for the treatment of allergies and asthma in pets, where an antihistamine may be helpful
• Can be used in the management of serotonin syndrome and, in cats, as an appetite stimulant
• In horses, is used as a therapy for headshaking and Cushing's disease

Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine used in the treatment of allergies and atopy in dogs and cats. It is used primarily to treat symptomatic itching. May also be prescribed to treat asthma in cats and as an appetite stimulant. In horses, Cyproheptadine is used to treat head shaking and equine Cushing's disease, also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).

As an antihistamine, Cyproheptadine blocks the action of histamine in the body, thus decreasing the inflammation and itching associated with allergies. It also blocks a chemical in the body called serotonin, which is elevated in serotonin syndrome.

Cyproheptadine tablets are given orally. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Duration of treatment depends on reason for and response to treatment.

This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

As an appetite stimulant, antihistamine and treatment for serotonin syndrome, Cyproheptadine will generally start to work within several hours, but several days of therapy may be needed to achieve the full effect. In the treatment of horses, it may take much longer to see an effect (weeks to months).

Talk to your veterinarian about what type of outcome is expected, and what type of exams and tests will be necessary while your pet is taking Cyproheptadine. Have your veterinarian explain the other treatment options that may be necessary to treat your pet's condition.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an enlarged prostate, heart disease, glaucoma, a history of urinary blockage or digestive tract blockage, or could be pregnant.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking. Also tell your veterinarian if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

Understand what outcome is expected, and if results are not achieved, contact your veterinarian. Monitor for possible side effects. Cyproheptadine does not cure Cushing's disease, but helps in the management of it. Most horses will need to take Cyproheptadine for their lifetime.

Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to it. Use with caution in animals with liver disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, severe cardiac failure, or obstruction of the urinary bladder (problems urinating), or obstruction of the pylorus (junction between the stomach and intestine).

The safety of this medication in pregnant and lactating animals (female animals nursing their young) has not been determined.

In dogs: Side effects include dry mouth, constipation, sleepiness, sedation, or increased appetite.

In cats: Side effects include dry mouth, constipation, sleepiness, sedation, or hyperexcitability (agitation). It may stimulate the appetite, and is sometimes used for this effect. Rarely you may see anemia resulting in weakness, pale gums, and lethargy. If you notice these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

In horses: Side effects include depression, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above side effects. If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of the above signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

In the event of an overdose, may cause increased sleepiness, sedation, hyperexcitability, or seizures; severe drying of the mouth and eyes; rapid heartbeat; fever; inability to urinate; and low blood pressure. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Consult your veterinarian before using Cyproheptadine with vitamins, supplements, other central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs such as barbiturates or antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as furazolidone, selegiline (Anipryl), isoniazid, or amitraz (an ingredient in some tick collars, and in Mitaban, a treatment for mange), or flea and tick collars, since interactions may occur.

Discontinue use at least 7 days prior to skin allergy testing.

In horses, Cyproheptadine is a classified drug. Consult your veterinarian and event officials before using Cyproheptadine or any other medication in a performance horse. Not for use in horses intended for food.