Cyproheptadine

Description

Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine that has anti-serotonin properties and is used in the treatment of conditions involving the pituitary gland, such as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction and pituitary adenomas, or head shaking, especially in older horses.

Usage

Cyproheptadine is used when the pituitary gland becomes enlarged or hypertrophy of the pituitary gland develops. Clinical signs in horses are similar to Cushing's disease in humans. This is a fairly common problem in older horses and ponies. When cyproheptadine is used for the treatment of head shaking, it is usually for its antihistamine properties, especially when an allergic component exists.

Dosage and Administration

Dose Form: 4 mg tablets, specialty formulations in any concentration

Side Effects

Common side effects include sedation, dry mucous membranes, and increased heart rate.

Precautions

Cyproheptadine should not be used in horses with inflammatory airway disease.

Cyproheptadine has a wide margin of safety. Although it is not FDA approved for use in horses, it is considered accepted practice. It is a prescription drug and U.S. federal law restricts it to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian.

Cyproheptadine is prohibited or regulated in most sanctioned competitions. A veterinarian and the individual regulatory group should be consulted regarding it's use.

Interactions

Cyproheptadine may have an additive effect when used with other central nervous system depressant drugs.

Overdose

Overdose causes more pronounced symptoms, similar to side effects mentioned above.