Xcitin (4mg)

Introduction

Xcitin belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. It is used in the treatment of various allergic conditions. It relieves symptoms like itching, swelling and rashes. It is also used to treat loss of appetite (need for food). It is an effective hunger stimulant. Xcitin can be taken with or without food and it is better to take it in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. You may need this medicine only on days you have symptoms, or you may need to take it every day to prevent symptoms from happening. If you stop taking it earlier than advised, your symptoms may come back. This medicine is generally very safe. This medicine may cause some amount of dizziness, so do not drive or do anything that needs attention. Consult your doctor if it persists or worry you. It may cause headache or increase appetite in some cases. Before taking it, you should tell your doctor if you have any problems with your liver or kidneys or with your heart. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult with their doctor before taking it. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can cause excessive drowsiness with this medicine.

Uses of Xcitin

• Appetite stimulant

Side effects of Xcitin

Common

• Increased appetite

How to use Xcitin

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Xcitin may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Xcitin works

Xcitin is an antihistaminic medication. It blocks the action of certain chemical messengers that are responsible for inflammation, congestion, itching, and other allergic reactions.

What if you forget to take Xcitin?

If you miss a dose of Xcitin, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Quick Tips

• Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery as it may decrease alertness.
• Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Xcitin, as it may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.

Brief Description

Indication

Rash, pruritus in a variety of condition, appetite stimulation, anorexia nervosa, cushing's syndrome, Nelson's syndrome, acromegaly, hyperprolactinemia, migraine, antidepressant-induced inorgasmia

Administration

May be taken with or without food. May be taken w/ meals to reduce GI discomfort.

Adult Dose

Oral Allergic conditions Adult: Initially, 4 mg tid, adjusted as necessary. Usual: 12-16 mg daily in 3-4 divided doses. Max: 32 mg/day. Treatment and prophylaxis of migraine and other vascular headaches Adult: 4 mg may be repeated after 30 min. Not to exceed 8 mg w/in a 4- to 6-hr period. Maintenance: 4 mg 4-6 hrly.

Child Dose

Oral Allergic conditions Child: 2-6 yr 2 mg bid or tid. Max: 12 mg daily; 7-14 yr 4 mg bid or tid. Max: 16 mg daily. Migraine Prophylaxis < 3 years: Safety and efficacy not established >3 years and adolescents: 0.2-0.4 mg/kg/day PO divided BID; not to exceed 0.5 mg/kg/day

Contraindication

Narrow-angle glaucoma; acute asthmatic attack; bladder neck obstruction; stenosing peptic ulcer; GIT obstruction; MAOIs therapy; hypersensitivity; neonates, lactation.

Mode of Action

Cyproheptadine is a sedating antihistamine w/ antimuscarinic, serotonin antagonist and Ca channel blocking properties. It competes w/ histamine for H1-receptor sites on effector cells in the GI tract, blood vessels and resp tract.

Precaution

Elderly; epilepsy; tasks requiring mental alertness; symptomatic prostate hypertrophy; epilepsy; alcoholism; pregnancy. Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; contraindicated

Side Effect

Psychiatric/neurologic: CNS depression, drowsiness, sedation ranging from mild drowsiness to deep sleep (most frequent), dizziness, lassitude, disturbed coordination; less commonly, restlessness, insomnia, tremors, euphoria, nervousness, irritability, delirium, seizures, toxic psychosis, paresthesia Muscular: Weakness Cardiovascular: Palpitation, tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes (eg, widened QRS), arrhythmias (eg, extrasystole, heart block), hypotension, hypertension, dizziness, sedation, hypotension GI: Epigastric distress, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation Hepatic: Cholestasis, hepatitis, hepatic failure, hepatic function abnormality, jaundice (rare) Skin: Eczema, pruritus, inflammation, papular rash, erythema on exposed skin Sensory: Visual disturbances, blurred vision, diplopia, tinnitus, acute labyrinthitis Renal: Dysuria, urinary retention Respiratory: Thickening of bronchial secretions, wheezing, nasal stuffiness Other: Vertigo, sweating, chills, early menses, headache, impotence, dryness of mouth, nose, and throat, facial dyskinesia, tightness of chest, faintness

Pregnancy Category Note

Pregnancy category: B Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; contraindicated

Interaction

May have additive effects w/ CNS depressants e.g. hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antianxiety agents. Potentially Fatal: MAOIs prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of antihistamines.