Health Encyclopedia
Cyproheptadine overdose
Definition
Poisoning from an overdose of cyproheptadine, which is an antihistamine.
Poisonous Ingredient
- Cyproheptadine
Where Found
- Periactin
- Klarivitina
- Nuran
This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms
- Bladder and kidneys
- Can't urinate
- Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
- Enlarged pupils
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Severely dry eyes
- Ringing in the ears
- Heart and blood
- Rapid heartbeat
- Convulsions
- Low blood pressure
- Nervous system
- Depression
- Excitation
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Nervousness
- Hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Delirium
- Seizures
- Increased sleepiness
- Unsteadiness
- Tremor
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
- If the medicine was prescribed for the patient
Poison Control
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See National Poison Control center.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Medicines to make the person throw up (unless the person may have seizures)
- Activated charcoal
- Laxative
- A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
Outlook (Prognosis)
If the patient survives the first 24 hours, survival is likely. Few patients actually die from an antihistamine overdose.
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
