Cyproheptadine Dosage
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 10, 2023.
Applies to the following strengths: 4 mg; 2 mg/5 mL
Usual Adult Dose for:
- Allergic Reaction
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Pruritus
- Urticaria
- Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Allergic Urticaria
- Dermatographism
Usual Pediatric Dose for:
- Allergic Reaction
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Pruritus
- Urticaria
- Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Allergic Urticaria
- Dermatographism
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Reaction
Initial dose: 4 mg orally 3 times a day
Maintenance dose: 4 to 20 mg orally per day, given in divided doses
Maximum dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
Initial dose: 4 mg orally 3 times a day
Maintenance dose: 4 to 20 mg orally per day, given in divided doses
Maximum dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Adult Dose for Pruritus
Initial dose: 4 mg orally 3 times a day
Maintenance dose: 4 to 20 mg orally per day, given in divided doses
Maximum dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria
Initial dose: 4 mg orally 3 times a day
Maintenance dose: 4 to 20 mg orally per day, given in divided doses
Maximum dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis
Initial dose: 4 mg orally 3 times a day
Maintenance dose: 4 to 20 mg orally per day, given in divided doses
Maximum dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Urticaria
Initial dose: 4 mg orally 3 times a day
Maintenance dose: 4 to 20 mg orally per day, given in divided doses
Maximum dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Adult Dose for Dermatographism
Initial dose: 4 mg orally 3 times a day
Maintenance dose: 4 to 20 mg orally per day, given in divided doses
Maximum dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Reaction
WEIGHT-BASED OR BODY SURFACE AREA (BSA) DOSING:
Pediatric patients: 0.25 mg/kg orally per day (given in divided doses) OR 8 mg/m2 orally per day (given in divided doses)
FIXED DOSING:
2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 12 mg/day
7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 16 mg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis
WEIGHT-BASED OR BODY SURFACE AREA (BSA) DOSING:
Pediatric patients: 0.25 mg/kg orally per day (given in divided doses) OR 8 mg/m2 orally per day (given in divided doses)
FIXED DOSING:
2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 12 mg/day
7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 16 mg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pruritus
WEIGHT-BASED OR BODY SURFACE AREA (BSA) DOSING:
Pediatric patients: 0.25 mg/kg orally per day (given in divided doses) OR 8 mg/m2 orally per day (given in divided doses)
FIXED DOSING:
2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 12 mg/day
7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 16 mg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria
WEIGHT-BASED OR BODY SURFACE AREA (BSA) DOSING:
Pediatric patients: 0.25 mg/kg orally per day (given in divided doses) OR 8 mg/m2 orally per day (given in divided doses)
FIXED DOSING:
2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 12 mg/day
7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 16 mg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Conjunctivitis
WEIGHT-BASED OR BODY SURFACE AREA (BSA) DOSING:
Pediatric patients: 0.25 mg/kg orally per day (given in divided doses) OR 8 mg/m2 orally per day (given in divided doses)
FIXED DOSING:
2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 12 mg/day
7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 16 mg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Urticaria
WEIGHT-BASED OR BODY SURFACE AREA (BSA) DOSING:
Pediatric patients: 0.25 mg/kg orally per day (given in divided doses) OR 8 mg/m2 orally per day (given in divided doses)
FIXED DOSING:
2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 12 mg/day
7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 16 mg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Usual Pediatric Dose for Dermatographism
WEIGHT-BASED OR BODY SURFACE AREA (BSA) DOSING:
Pediatric patients: 0.25 mg/kg orally per day (given in divided doses) OR 8 mg/m2 orally per day (given in divided doses)
FIXED DOSING:
2 to 6 years: 2 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 12 mg/day
7 to 14 years: 4 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day
- Maximum dose: 16 mg/day
Comments:
- Doses should be individualized, with doses based on response and patient size.
- Many patients require a daily dose of 12 to 16 mg.
- Some patients need up to 32 mg/day to attain relief.
Uses:
- Adjunctive agent to epinephrine and other standard measures AFTER acute anaphylactic reaction manifestations have been controlled
- Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods
- Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma
- Cold urticaria
- Dermatographism
- Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of angioedema and urticaria
- Perennial/seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- Hypersensitivity to the active component or to any of the ingredients
- MAO inhibitor treatment
- Newborn or premature infants
- Older, debilitated patients
- Patients who are nursing
- Patients with bladder neck obstruction
- Pyloroduodenal obstruction
- Stenosing peptic ulcer
- Symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 2 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- Oral solution/syrup formulations may be used in adults who cannot swallow tablets.
Storage requirements:
- Oral solution/syrup: Protect from light.
Patient advice:
- Inform patients that this drug may cause drowsiness and somnolence, and they should avoid driving or operating machinery if these side effects occur.
- Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
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Patient resources
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- Cyproheptadine monograph
- Cyproheptadine (FDA)
- Cyproheptadine Solution (FDA)
- Cyproheptadine Syrup (FDA)
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
