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Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine that also has anti-serotonin
activity. It is well-absorbed orally and has a wide margin of safety.
Cyproheptadine is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine.
Cyproheptadine is used as an appetite stimulant for sick cats, including those undergoing chemotherapy. When used for this purpose it should be noted that it may take two to three days for the drug to reach full effect. It is also used to treat feline asthma in cats whose condition is not totally controlled by corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Veterinary behaviorists also use cyproheptadine in some cases of inappropriate urine-spraying behavior in cats.
Cyproheptadine is used in both dogs and cats as a part of treatment for serotonin syndrome. It has been tried in dogs for the treatment of canine Cushing's disease although there are other medications that appear to be more effective. Cyproheptadine has been used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in both dogs and cats; the general consensus is that there are other more effective drugs.
Cyproheptadine is used in conjunction with other drugs for the treatment of PPID and photic headshakers. Because animals with PPID usually have clinical signs similar to Cushing's disease in humans, this condition may also be called equine Cushing's-like disease (ECD). Pergolide is considered the drug of choice for PPID. Cyproheptadine is frequently combined with pergolide for the treatment of PPID.
Photic head shakers are a troubling medical/behavioral
problem of the horse. Cyproheptadine is prescribed in the treatment of
head shakers for its antihistamine properties. Cyproheptadine is sometimes
combined with carbamazepine. Prohibited in most sanctioned competitions,
cyproheptadine is an ARCI class-4 substance.
• Common side effects include sedation, dry mucous
membranes and increased heart rate.
• High doses of cyproheptadine have been tested
in laboratory animals without causing detectable harm to the fetus. This
work has not been done in horses. It is not known if cyproheptadine is
excreted in milk.
• Cyproheptadine should only be used in pregnant or lactating animals
if the benefits outweigh the risks. No information was found on cyproheptadine
use in breeding stallions.
• Cyproheptadine may have an additive effect when
combined with other central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs, such
as tranquilizers.
• Overdose causes similar, but more severe side
effects.
Dr.
Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware
and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com
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not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions
of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or
diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the
risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Wedgewood compounded veterinary medicines are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
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