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Periactin overdose

Definition

Periactin is an antihistamine drug, which is used to relieve allergy symptoms. A periactin overdose occurs when someone takes too much of this drug.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Alternative Names

Cyproheptadine hydrochloride overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Cyproheptadine

Where Found

The generic drug name for Periactin is cyproheptadine hydrochloride. This medicine may also be sold under the following brand names:

• Klarivitina
• Nuran
• Periatinol

This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

• Eyes and skin
  • Dilated pupils
  • Flushed skin
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Convulsions
  • Low blood pressure
  • Rapid heartbeat
• Nervous system
  • Agitation
  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Delirium
  • Depression
  • Disorientation
  • Drowsiness
  • Excitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Nervousness
  • Unsteadiness

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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 United States 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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

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. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Gastric lavage
• Laxative
• Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison

Expectations (prognosis)

If the patient survives the first 24 hours, survival is likely. Few patients actually die from an antihistamine overdose.

References

Goldfrank LR, ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2006.