Periactin

Pharmachologic effect

Periactin has antihistamine activity (blocks H1 receptors), but at the same time, it is a strong anti serotonin substance. It reduces the spasmogenic and other effects caused by serotonin. It also has anticholinergic activity. It has an anti-allergic effect and is especially effective for itchy dermatoses (possibly due to anti serotonin action). The drug blocks somatotropin hypersecretion in acromegaly and ACTH secretion in Itsenko-Cushing syndrome.

Indications for use

It is used for:

• allergic diseases (acute and chronic urticaria, serum sickness, pollinate, vasomotor rhinitis, contact dermatitis, neurodermatitis, Quincke’s edema, allergic reactions to medications, etc.);
• migraines (mainly due to the anti serotonin effect);
• loss of appetite of various etiologies (neurogenic anorexia, chronic diseases, etc.).

Since histamine and serotonin enhance the secretion of pancreatic juice, it is also proposed to use Periactin in the complex treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

Dosage

Oral application: adults 4 mg (1 tablet) 3-4 times a day, children in smaller doses in accordance with age.

At the age of 6 months to 2 years, it is prescribed with caution in a daily dose of up to 0.4 mg/kg; from 2 to 6 years – up to 6 mg per day (1/2 tablet 3 times a day); from 6 to 14 years – up to 12 mg per day (1 tablet 3 times a day).

Daily doses should not exceed 32 mg in adults, 8 mg in children 2–6 years old, 12 mg in 6–14 years old.

Side effects

When using Periactin, drowsiness, dry mouth are possible to appear. In rare cases, there may be observed anxiety, ataxia, dizziness, nausea, skin rash.

Contraindications

Glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure);

• Stomach ulcer;
• Pregnancy;
• Urinary retention;
• Predisposition to edema;
• An attack of bronchial asthma;
• Old age.

The drug is not prescribed for children under 2 years of age.

Overdose

Symptoms: in children – mydriasis and immobility of the pupils, facial skin hyperemia, hyperthermia, agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, ataxia, athetosis, convulsions, collapse, coma; in adults – lethargy, depression, coma, or psychomotor agitation, convulsions; rarely – skin hyperthermia and hyperemia.

Treatment: vomiting, administration of activated carbon usage, followed by gastric lavage. In the case of life-threatening symptoms’ development from the central nervous system or pronounced atropine-like effects, it is recommended to use a solution of physostigmine salicylate. According to indications – vasoconstrictive and anticonvulsants, mechanical ventilation, other resuscitation measures can be applied. Psychostimulants and analeptic drugs are contraindicated.

Precautions

The first application is recommended in the evening, after a meal (a sedative effect is characteristic for the start of treatment). It is prescribed with caution to children and elderly patients (increased sensitivity is possible), patients with a history of bronchial asthma, hyperthyroidism, increased intraocular pressure, hypertension and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Alcohol beverages are prohibited when taking Periactin.

Periactin can be used in conjunction with narcotic analgesics, anxiolytics under strict medical supervision for complex preoperative preparation of patients. Cyproheptadine potentiates the effect of these drugs with simultaneous use and prevents the development of undesirable effects of histamine (arterial hypotension, bronchospasm), which is released as a result of trauma to the body tissues during surgery.

It should not be used by drivers and people whose profession is associated with an increased concentration of attention, especially in the initial, individually defined period of treatment.