Periactine

Question

Hello,
Could you, please, talk about the use of Périactine to increase appetite and thus weight. I know that some patients use it but our CF center doesn't seem to know it. I wondered whether studies have been conducted on this medicine or if it's rather used in a isolated way.
Thank you very much in advance for your answer.
Sincerely.

Answer

Hello,

Périactine or Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine drug used to treat allergic symptoms (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, for example). Among its side effects, increased appetite and weight are reported.
In the context of cystic fibrosis, reduced appetite and difficulty in gaining weight are common, and some are tempted by the use of this appetite stimulant.
Few studies have assessed the benefit of this treatment in patients with cystic fibrosis, but with a limited number of patients included. An increased appetite and weight has sometimes been noted in the short term. However, attention must be drawn to the significant risk of side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, liver or blood disorders ...
This treatment is not currently recommended in the treatment of cystic fibrosis patients.
Kind regards
Dr Michèle Gérardin

07.06.2015