Cipla-Actin belongs to the group of antihistamines. The active ingredient is Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride. The medication acts as a histamine and serotonin receptor antagonist. It is used to treat a range of allergic reactions.
Overview
Cipla-Actin belongs to the category of antihistamines. The therapeutically active component is Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride. The medication blocks the action of histamine, which is an organic compound involved in the local immune responses. Cipla-Actin also acts as a serotonin receptor antagonist.
Therapeutic Indications
The medication is used to treat and prevent these diseases and conditions:
- Allergic conjunctivitis;
- Dermatographic urticaria;
- Cold-induced urticaria;
- Non-allergic rhinitis;
- Perennial or seasonal rhinitis;
- Allergic reactions to blood and plasma;
- As a treatment for anaphylaxis in addition to epinephrine;
- Mild skin reactions (urticaria, angioedema).
In some cases, the medication is used for appetite stimulation and vascular headache prevention.
Pharmacodynamics
The drug opposes the activity of histamine receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, uterus, and large blood vessels. The majority of antihistamines have strong anticholinergic properties. Cipla-Actin provides weak anticholinergic effects.
The drug also blocks central muscarinic receptors, which explains its antiemetic properties. This mechanism has not been fully studied.
As an antiserotonin agent, the drug competes with this neurotransmitter by binding to receptors in the intestinal wall and other locations
Dosage
The medication dose depends on the needs of the patient. Improper drug therapy may cause undesirable effects.
One tablet contains 4 mg of the active compound.
Adults
The dose should be calculated considering the patient’s body weight and response to treatment. In total, the daily amount must not be above 0.5 mg/kg. The therapeutic range varies from 4 to 20 mg per day. Occasionally, some patients need higher dosage.
Children
- 2-6 years. The recommended dose is 2 mg 2-3 times per day. It should not be above 12 mg per day.
- 7-14 years. One tablet 2-3 times per day. The daily amount is not to exceed 16 mg.
Adverse effects
Using Cipla-Actin may cause these adverse effects:
- Abnormal skin sensations, dizziness, convulsions, excitation, exasperation, faintness, sleepiness, tremor, uncoordinated movements, insomnia, hysteria, hallucinations.
- Rash, edema, hyperhidrosis, extreme sensitivity to UV rays.
- Cardiovascular symptoms. Hypotension, tachycardia, anaphylaxis.
- Hematologic symptoms. Leukopenia, granulopenia, thromcytopenia.
- Digestive symptoms. Mouth dryness, hepatic abnormality, icterus, diarrhea, epigastric pain, nausea.
- Special senses. Blurred and double vision, vertigo.
- Respiratory reactions. Nose and throat dryness, nasal congestion, chest tightness.
- Genitourinary disorders. Urinary retention or frequency, early periods.
- Headaches and increased appetite.
Some of the adverse effects are very rare but can cause damage to your health. In case you experience any of these symptoms, consult your physician
Counterindications
The following counterindications to Cipla-Actin can be outlined:
- Bladder neck obstruction;
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia;
- Breastfeeding mothers;
- Closed-angle glaucoma;
- Elderly patients;
- Peptic ulcer disease;
- Gastric outlet obstruction;
- Newborn and premature infants;
- Hypersensitivity to the components.
Precautions
Other drugs and substances can enhance susceptibility to the adverse effects of Cipla-Actin. Combining this class of drugs with alcohol, tranquilizers, barbiturates, anxiolytics, or tricyclic antidepressants may lead to additive interaction effects.
Patients should be cautious when performing activities that require active attention and sensory awareness, such as operating heavy equipment or driving any vehicle.
The medication is to be taken with caution in these cases:
- Asthma medical records;
- Elevated intraocular pressure;
- Heart diseases;
- High blood pressure;
Pregnancy
The performed studies have not indicated that Cipla-Actin can enhance the risk of complications during pregnancy. However, it is advised not to take the medication unless it is clearly necessary.
Overdose symptoms
Exceeding the recommended dosage may cause serious adverse effects. The reactions include CNS depression or, on the contrary, its stimulation. Besides that, gastrointestinal symptoms are possible.
It is recommended to induce vomiting if it has not occurred involuntarily. In case of severe reactions, an injection of physostigmine salicylate can reverse the unwanted reactions. This is an antidote for the class of drugs that cause antiholinergic syndrome.
Analog
In case you are traveling abroad and urgently need this medication, make sure to purchase it from licensed pharmacies. It is advised not to buy it from open markets. If you can not purchase the product, consider its analogs. Arictin has the same chemical structure as Cipla-Actin and therefore, can substitute it.
Storage and packaging
Before using the product, make sure it is in its original packaging. Poor-quality printing or otherwise suspicious-looking packaging may indicate a counterfeit product.
The package should be stored in a dry, clean area at temperatures between 15 °and 25 °C, away from heat and direct sunlight.
Reviews
According to the reviews, the most commonly treated diseases are allergic conjunctivitis and cold-induced urticaria. The drug proves to be effective in these cases.
Cipla-Actin is also widely used by some people who wish to gain weight. The majority of medical workers do not encourage this. Weight gain falls more into the category of adverse effects. Nevertheless, in occasional cases, it might be prescribed as an off-label drug for appetite loss. Long-term use without consulting a doctor can lead to liver damage.
Those taking it to gain weight mainly receive satisfactory results in a short period of time. They do not inform about any severe adverse reactions.
