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CYPROHEPTADINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyproheptadine | 2 mg/5mL | 866021 | — |
| Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride | 2 mg/5mL | 866144 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryRegulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 212423-001 | CYPROHEPTADINE HYDROCHLORIDE | SYRUP | CYPROHEPTADINE HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | AA |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — no known or suspected bioequivalence problems (conventional dosage forms)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | May 22, 2019 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250505). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS AND USAGE Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis Vasomotor rhinitis Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma Cold urticaria Dermatographism As therapy for anaphylactic reactions adjunctive to epinephrine and other standard measures after the acute manifestations have been controlled.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION DOSAGE SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT. Each 5 mL of Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride Oral Solution contains 2 mg of Cyproheptadine hydrochloride. Although intended primarily for administration to children, the oral solution is also used for administration to adults who cannot swallow tablets. Children The total daily dosage for children may be calculated on the basis of body weight or body area using approximately 0.25 mg/kg/day (0.11 mg/lb/day) or 8 mg per square meter of body surface (8 mg/m 2 ). Age 2 to 6 years The usual dose is 2 mg (one teaspoonful) two or three times a day, adjusted as necessary to the size and response of the patient. The dose is not to exceed 12 mg a day. Age 7 to 14 years The usual dose is 4 mg (two teaspoonsful) two or three times a day, adjusted as necessary to the size and response of the patient. The dose is not to exceed 16 mg a day. Adults The total daily dose for adults should not exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day (0.23 mg/lb/day). The therapeutic range is 4 to 20 mg a day, with the majority of patients requiring 12 to 16 mg a day. An occasional patient may require as much as 32 mg a day for adequate relief. It is suggested that dosage be initiated with 4 mg (two teaspoonsful) three times a day and adjusted according to the size and response of the patient.
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS Newborn or Premature Infants: This drug should not be used in newborn or premature infants. Nursing Mothers: Because of the higher risk of antihistamines for infants generally and for newborns and prematures in particular, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers. Other Conditions: Hypersensitivity to cyproheptadine and other drugs of similar chemical structure Monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy (see Drug Interactions ) Angle-closure glaucoma Stenosing peptic ulcer Symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy Bladder neck obstruction Pyloroduodenal obstruction Elderly, debilitated patients
Warnings
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS Children: Overdosage of antihistamines, particularly in infants and children, may produce hallucinations, central nervous system depression, convulsions and death. Antihistamines may diminish mental alertness; conversely, particularly in the young child, they may occasionally produce excitation. CNS Depressants: Antihistamines may have additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants, e.g., hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antianxiety agents. Activities Requiring Mental Alertness: Patients should be warned about engaging in activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination, such as driving a car or operating machinery. Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sedation and hypotension in elderly patients.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions which have been reported with the use of antihistamines are as follows: Central Nervous System: Sedation and sleepiness (often transient), dizziness, disturbed coordination, confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, paresthesias, neuritis, convulsions, euphoria, hallucinations, hysteria, faintness. Integumentary: Allergic manifestation of rash and edema, excessive perspiration, urticaria, photosensitivity. Special Senses: Acute labyrinthitis, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus. Cardiovascular: Hypotension, palpitation, tachycardia, extrasystoles, anaphylactic shock. Hematologic: Hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia. Digestive System: Dryness of mouth, epigastric distress, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, jaundice. Genitourinary: Urinary frequency, difficult urination, urinary retention, early menses. Respiratory: Dryness of nose and throat, thickening of bronchial secretions, tightness of chest and wheezing, nasal stuffiness. Miscellaneous: Fatigue, chills, headache, increased appetite/weight gain. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Quagen Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-888-344-9603 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.FDA.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug LabelingDrug Interactions: MAO inhibitors prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of antihistamines. Antihistamines may have additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants, e.g., hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antianxiety agents.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION Each 5 mL (one teaspoonful) contains: Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride 2 mg Inactive Ingredients: Citric acid, D&C Yellow #10, peppermint flavor, purified water, propylene glycol, sodium citrate, sorbic acid (0.1% as preservative) and sucrose syrup. Inactive ingredients for Cyproheptadine Oral Solution (Sugar Free): alcohol 5% (v/v), butylated hydroxyanisole, citric acid, D&C Yellow #10, peppermint flavor, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium citrate, sorbic acid (0 . 1%, as preservative), sucralose. Cyproheptadine HCl is an antihistaminic and antiserotonergic agent. Cyproheptadine hydrochloride is a white to slightly yellowish, crystalline solid, with a molecular weight of 350.89, which is slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in methanol, sparingly soluble in ethanol, soluble in chloroform and practically insoluble in ether. It is the sesquihydrate of 4-(5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-ylidene)-1-methylpiperidine hydrochloride. The molecular formula of the anhydrous salt is C 21 H 21 N•HCl and the structural formula of the anhydrous salt is: image description
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE Antihistamine overdosage reactions may vary from central nervous system depression to stimulation especially in children. Also, atropine-like signs and symptoms (dry mouth; fixed, dilated pupils; flushing, etc.) as well as gastrointestinal symptoms may occur. If vomiting has not occurred spontaneously, the patient should be induced to vomit with syrup of ipecac. If the patient is unable to vomit, perform gastric lavage followed by activated charcoal. Isotonic or 1/2 isotonic saline is the lavage of choice. Precautions against aspiration must be taken especially in infants and children. When life-threatening CNS signs and symptoms are present, intravenous physostigmine salicylate may be considered. Dosage and frequency of administration are dependent on age, clinical response and recurrence after response. (See package circulars for physostigmine products.) Saline cathartics, as milk of magnesia, by osmosis draw water into the bowel and, therefore, are valuable for their action in rapid dilution of bowel content. Stimulants should not be used. Vasopressors may be used to treat hypotension. The oral LD 50 of cyproheptadine is 123 mg/kg, and 295 mg/kg in the mouse and rat, respectively.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, USP, 2 mg/5 mL in a yellow, peppermint flavor vehicle, is supplied in a pint (473 mL) container. (NDC 72162-2065-2) (NDC 72162-2065-4). Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) excursion permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP. Repackaged/Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. Burbank, CA 91504
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CYPROHEPTADINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17856-1185-1 | 17856-1185 | Atlantic Biologicals Corp. | 72 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 CASE (17856-1185-1) / 5 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE | August 4, 2026 |
| 17856-1185-2 | 17856-1185 | Atlantic Biologicals Corp. | 120 SYRINGE in 1 CASE (17856-1185-2) / 2.5 mL in 1 SYRINGE | August 7, 2026 |
| 72162-2065-2 | 72162-2065 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS (72162-2065-2) | August 12, 2024 |
| 72162-2065-4 | 72162-2065 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS (72162-2065-4) | May 2, 2025 |
| 39328-544-16 | 39328-544 | Patrin Pharma, Inc. | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS (39328-544-16) | February 15, 2022 |
| 70752-101-12 | 70752-101 | QUAGEN PHARMACEUTICALS LLC | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE, GLASS (70752-101-12) | May 22, 2019 |
| 70752-185-12 | 70752-185 | QUAGEN PHARMACEUTICALS LLC | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (70752-185-12) | December 22, 2023 |
| 17856-1185 | 17856-1185 | Atlantic Biologicals Corp. | — | December 22, 2023 |
| 72162-2065 | 72162-2065 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | May 22, 2019 |
| 39328-544 | 39328-544 | Patrin Pharma, Inc. | — | February 15, 2022 |
| 70752-101 | 70752-101 | QUAGEN PHARMACEUTICALS LLC | — | May 22, 2019 |
| 70752-185 | 70752-185 | QUAGEN PHARMACEUTICALS LLC | — | December 22, 2023 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.