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Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine

Updated on February 03, 2023
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Reviewed by Dr. Whitney Miller
DVM, MBA, DACVPM
cyproheptadine

Household pets who experience allergic reactions may have itchy skin, swelling, vomiting and other bothersome symptoms. Thankfully, they don’t have to suffer long, as there are medical solutions that can offer relief from their discomfort. One of the treatment options your vet may recommend can include cyproheptadine.  

This prescription medication has a few uses in the veterinary world—one of which is an antihistamine. If your dog or cat has allergies, antihistamine medication won’t cure them—but it can help get rid of irritating symptoms. Including antihistamines as a part of your cat or dog health & wellness plan may make your pet happier and more comfortable.  

What is cyproheptadine? 

This medication is often sold under the brand names Ciplactin, Cyprogin, Klarivitina, Nuran, Periactine, Periatin, Supersan and Trimetabol, among others. It’s classified as an antihistamine. A histamine is a chemical created by the body in response to allergens, and cyproheptadine works by suppressing histamine receptors to help prevent common allergy symptoms in cats and dogs.  

Not all animals are ideal candidates for taking cyproheptadine. If your pet has recently had a urinary blockage or is experiencing heart problems, they might be given an alternative drug.  

What is cyproheptadine used for? 

Dog allergy relief and cat allergy relief are among the most common uses for this medication. Histamines typically attach to H-1 receptors on your dog’s blood vessels and muscles, creating inflammation and itchiness. By blocking these receptors, the medication also helps prevent your pet’s allergy symptoms from taking hold.  

But cyproheptadine uses don’t stop there. The drug is also commonly used for: 

  • Treating serotonin syndrome, a condition that can occur when other medications, particularly at toxic dose levels, cause a pet’s serotonin levels to get too high
  • Increasing appetite in pets who are underweight, especially in felines; the drug may also help cats undergoing chemotherapy get their hunger back after treatments  
  • Working in combination with other drugs to treat conditions including asthma and Cushing’s disease, though these uses are less common than the others

Is cyproheptadine used to promote weight gain? 

This medication can be used to stimulate appetite in cats who have a medical reason for decreased hunger. Because common cyproheptadine side effects include an increased appetite, it may help them gain weight.  

Dosage recommendations 

Dosages for this drug typically vary between cats and dogs. The dose of cyproheptadine for dogs depends on their weight; dogs typically receive between 0.3 and 1 mg. per pound of body weight. The exact amount prescribed will also depend on the root problem.  

If cyproheptadine is a part of your cat’s health & wellness plan, they will likely receive 1 to 4 mg. The schedule will depend on what condition you are treating in your pet. An individual cat’s body weight is not always factored into their dose the same way a dog’s is. 

While these general guidelines can be helpful for parents whose pets have been prescribed cyproheptadine, you should always follow the directions given to you by your veterinarian. 

Cyproheptadine side effects  

While not usually severe, some common side effects are associated with cyproheptadine for cats and dogs. If your pet is taking this antihistamine, look out for the following reactions:

  • Sedation: Just as allergy medication can make people feel sleepy, you may notice your pet needs a nap after they receive their medication; this is one of the most typical side effects and is not normally a cause for concern
  • Hyperexcitability: Some cats have what is called a paradoxical reaction to cyproheptadine, and they become super excited instead of drowsy
  • Dry mouth: Your pet may start drinking more water when taking this antihistamine; if you notice this reaction, your pet could be experiencing dry mouth as a drug side effect
  • Increased heart rate This drug can also cause a faster heart rate for short periods; consequently, dogs with heart failure and other heart conditions may not be the right candidates for this drug

Some of these symptoms commonly appear due to higher doses or overdoses of cyproheptadine. Your pet may experience anticholinergic effects, which occur when a neurotransmitter is blocked in the brain. At high doses, an antihistamine like cyproheptadine may cause the following:

  • Urine retention: This side effect can lead to a urinary tract infection and other health issues; talk to your veterinarian if your pet cannot go to the bathroom as regularly as they normally do
  • Elevated body temperature: Your pet may have a higher body temperature than usual; you may want to lower their dose—if possible—if you notice your pet has a high temperature
  • Increased pressure in the eye: If your dog or cat is predisposed to glaucoma, this symptom can be concerning; other pets may experience slight discomfort in their ocular area, but it is usually more severe in canines and felines

Drug interactions  

Cyproheptadine does come with a few drug interaction warnings for cats and dogs. Drug interactions are what happens when your pet is taking more than one prescription or over-the-counter medication at the same time. Sometimes, one drug will counteract the other or create undesirable side effects when taken simultaneously.  

Here are some possible drug interactions to discuss with your veterinarian.  

  • Does your pet already take a sedative? The drowsiness brought on by cyproheptadine may be amplified if your pet is already taking a sedative.  
  • Is your pet on antianxiety medication? Cyproheptadine may interfere with serotonin reuptake inhibitors that are often prescribed for anxiety. If this is the case, your pet may need to take a different antihistamine.  
  • Is your dog or cat taking the painkiller tramadol? Cyproheptadine could make it less effective.  
  • Does your pet have hyperthyroidism? If your pet is being treated for an overactive thyroid, this drug is probably not a good choice. It can interfere with existing medications or worsen your pet’s thyroid disorder. 
  • Is your dog or cat on any medication that depresses their central nervous system? These drugs are not recommended in combination with cyproheptadine.  

 

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