Periactine® is an antihistamine drug used to treat allergies. What are its side effects? Weight gain ? Drowsiness? Sterility? Can you get it without a prescription? In which cases is it contraindicated?
What is Periactin?
Periactine® is a commercial specialty based on cyproheptadine, an antiallergic molecule. It’s a H1 antihistamine of first generation indicated in the treatment of allergies such as rhinitis (seasonal or perennial if present all year round)conjunctivitis and urticaria.
List of Periactin Side Effects
The drug Periactin® has the following side effects:
- drowsiness, aggression, hallucinations
- tremors
- balance problems and dizziness
- anticholinergic signs : constipation, visual disturbances, increase in heart palpitations, urinary retention, dry mouth
- allergies : rash, oedema, anaphylactic shock (rare)
- liver damage : liver failure, hepatitis, jaundice
- increased appetite and weight gain
- memory loss and trouble concentrating
- low blood pressure on standing
- blood disorders : decrease or even absence of white blood cells, decrease in platelets, anemia (lower hemoglobin level)
In the event of the occurrence of a fever or infection, a medical consultation is required to control the white blood cell count and interrupt treatment if necessary. Adverse effects should be monitored in elderly patients frequently prone to dizziness and balance disorders may cause falls.
Does Periactin make you fat?
Taking Periactine® is often associated with increased appetite and weight gain. These manifestations are side effects of the treatment and not therapeutic indications. Indeed, this medicine is not indicated for weight gain in France. The use of oressence purposes to gain weight is potentially dangerousit is a misappropriation of its use.
Concomitant administration with an alcoholic drink increases this risk of drowsiness
Does Periactin make you sleep?
Like all first-generation antihistamines, Periactine® has a sedative effect important at the recommended doses, especially at the start of treatment. Thus, taking should be preferred in the evening or at bedtime. To note that concomitant administration with an alcoholic drink increases this risk of drowsiness. In addition, increased vigilance is required for people driving a vehicle or using a machine at the risk of causing an accident.
Can Periactin make you sterile?
A scientific study has suggested that over-the-counter antihistamines indicated for allergic rhinitis could alter the quality of sperm and therefore affect male fertility. This adverse effect is not mentioned in the Periactine® package insert since the level of evidence remains insufficient. Regarding the female fertility, no information on this subject has been brought to light.
Is Periactin on prescription?
This medication is available in pharmacies without a prescription. In case of medical prescription, it will not be reimbursed by health insurance.
What contraindications?
Periactine® is contraindicated in allergic patients to any of the components of the drug and in children under 6 years old due to the risk of misdirection when swallowing the tablet. Administration is also prohibited in case of risk of angle-closure glaucoma, urinary retention or a history of significant decrease or absence of white blood cells. Similarly, the treatment should not be used in people with galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency (enzyme used to digest milk) and intestinal absorption disorders. This drug is not recommended during pregnancy since it induces contractions of the uterus, and during breastfeeding due to possible sedation or excitation in the nursing child. Medical supervision is recommended in patients with renal insufficiency because there is a risk of overdose by accumulation of the drug in the body.
Sources:
– Public drug database
– Periactin 4 mg (cyproheptadine): risks associated with improper use as an orexigenic for aesthetic purposes, ANSM, January 2022.
– The High Authority for Health