cyproheptadine
Meaning of cyproheptadine: This antihistamine relieves allergy symptoms and itching, and is also used off label to stimulate appetite and to counteract excess serotonin activity.
Definition of cyproheptadine
Cyproheptadine is a first generation antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergic conditions such as seasonal allergies and hives, and to reduce itching associated with certain skin conditions. Like other antihistamines in its class, it blocks the action of histamine, a chemical involved in producing allergic symptoms, and it also acts on other chemical signals in the body.
Beyond its use as an antihistamine, cyproheptadine is used off label to stimulate appetite and support weight gain, a use that draws on its additional activity as an antagonist of serotonin, a chemical messenger involved in regulating appetite. For a related reason, it is sometimes used to help manage symptoms of serotonin syndrome, a condition caused by excess serotonin activity.
Because cyproheptadine also blocks certain other receptors in the body, it commonly causes drowsiness and increased appetite as side effects, effects that are sometimes put to deliberate clinical use even though they would be considered unwanted with other antihistamines.
Used in a sentence
Cyproheptadine was prescribed to help address the child's poor appetite during treatment.
Good to know
Cyproheptadine's appetite stimulating effect is an off label use that developed from an observed side effect of the medication, distinct from its original approval as an antihistamine for allergic symptoms.