Apetone

Generic composition: Cyproheptadine HCl

General Introduction

Apetone syrup contains Cyproheptadine HCl, 2 mg per 5 ml, is primarily an antihistaminic.

Therapeutic category

• Anti-histamines

Dosage forms available

• APETONE oral solution 100ml and 200ml

Mode of action

It works by blocking the action of histamine to reduce allergy symptoms. However, because of its appetite stimulating side effect, it is used as an appetite stimulant.

Pharmacokinetics

Apetone is mainly metabolized and passed out through urine.

Uses

Symptomatic relief of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis; vasomotor rhinitis; allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods; amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma; mild skin manifestations of uncomplicated urticaria and angioedema; cold urticaria; dermatographism; adjunctive anaphylactic therapy.

Off label uses include appetite stimulation, migraines, nightmares, suppression of vascular headaches.

Dose

• Adults: 2 teaspoonful 3 times daily Usual dosage, two to five teaspoonful/day; not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day.
• 7years to 14 years: 2 teaspoonful 2 to 3 times daily
• Children of 2-6 years: 1 teaspoonful 2 to 3 times a day. Total daily dose of 0.25mg/kg.

Contraindications

Newborn or premature infants; breast-feeding mothers; angle-closure glaucoma; stenosing peptic ulcer; symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy; bladder neck obstruction; pyloroduodenal obstruction; elderly, debilitated patients; MAOI therapy; hypersensitivity to cyproheptadine and other drugs of similar structure.