Re: dosage of Periactin

[Guest guest]

The " dosage " of Periactin (cyproheptadine) is pharmaceutical

standard -- although some doctors go low. The problem is that the

med comes in two levels, 1mg/5ml and 2mg/ml, so you have to know

what you have.

Once you have your prescription amount, in two doses, one about 45

minutes before breakfast and one about 45 minutes before dinner,

than follow these steps (the following document is courtesy of the

MAGIC Foundation's RSS Division.)

How to Begin the Dosing of Periactin/Cyproheptadine

For Your Child

Your child's physician will generally prescribe an amount of

Periactin (Cyproheptadine) that is given TWICE a day -- once about

30 minutes before breakfast and once about 30-45 minutes before

dinner. Please remember that even if your child eats breakfast

right away when he or she wakes up, don't skip the morning dose!!!

Have your child weighed at your local physician's office right

before starting the medicine.

Week #1: Give 50% of the prescribed dinner dose, every night

Week #2: Now move to 100% of the prescribed dinner dose,

every night

Week #3: Begin adding 50% of the prescribed morning dose,

every morning AND

continue giving 100% of the prescribed dinner dose every night

(Antihistamines can make a child slightly sleepy in the beginning,

which for some children is also known to make them cranky ļ. If

after 3 days at the 50% level, your child is still cranky, try

moving the dosage down a bit to 25% or so. Then at Week #4, you

would go up a SMALLER amount, let's say now to 50%. Take whatever

time is needed to gradually increase the morning dose if you find

that your child is sensitive. Children usually have no problem with

the nighttime dose; and most have no problem with the morning dose.)

Week #4: Now move to 100% of the prescribed morning dose

every morning AND

continue with 100% of the prescribed dinner dose every night.

After the first 4 weeks on the medicine, have your child weighed

again. Remember two things: EVEN if you think your child isn't

eating any extra amount, do NOT stop the medicine. Believe it or

not, one Saltine cracker a day over a year adds up to the calories

equivalent to ONE pound! Second of all, remember that even after

the first month on Periactin/Cyproheptadine, your child has really

only been on the full dose for one week, so give it time!

If after two months, your child hasn't gained any weight, your

physician may want to try slightly increasing the dosage.

> What is the doses given for periactin. I know you do it slowly.

We

> were given 1.5 ml two times day.

>

> Weight is up to 12.8 kg. We were told to cut g-tube feed by 20%.

>

> Height for weight was in the 50 %

>

> Maloy mom to Tori