Is Cyproheptadine the same as Periactin? A Comprehensive Look at a Generic vs. Brand-Name Medication

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

In the United States, the brand name medication Periactin was officially discontinued in the early 2000s, but its active ingredient, cyproheptadine, remains widely available as a generic prescription. This distinction often leads to confusion, prompting the question: Is cyproheptadine the same as periactin? The short answer is yes—they are the exact same medication, differing only in their name and manufacturer.

Quick Summary

Cyproheptadine is the generic name for the medication once sold under the brand name Periactin. While the Periactin brand has been discontinued, the drug is still available via prescription in its generic form. Both contain the same active ingredient and are used for similar purposes.

Key Points

Generic vs. Brand: Cyproheptadine is the generic name for the medication, and Periactin was the brand name.
Periactin Discontinued: The brand name Periactin has been discontinued in the U.S., but the generic cyproheptadine is still widely available.
Same Active Ingredient: The active ingredient, cyproheptadine hydrochloride, is the same in both the generic and brand-name versions.
Multiple Uses: The drug is used to treat allergies but is also known for its appetite-stimulating effects.
Common Side Effects: Drowsiness and dry mouth are common side effects associated with cyproheptadine use.
FDA Equivalence: Generic cyproheptadine is considered therapeutically equivalent to the original brand by the FDA.

Understanding the Generic-Brand Relationship

A brand-name medication is the original version developed by a pharmaceutical company, protected by a patent, like Periactin by Merck & Co.. Once the patent expires, other companies can produce generic versions. A generic medication, such as cyproheptadine, must have the identical active ingredient, strength, and dosage form as the brand name and be therapeutically equivalent according to the FDA. Generic drugs are considered interchangeable with the original brand, though they may have different inactive ingredients.

Core Functions and Medical Applications

Cyproheptadine is a first-generation antihistamine with various uses. It is approved for allergic conditions like rhinitis, hives, and conjunctivitis. Off-label uses include appetite stimulation, treatment for serotonin syndrome, and migraine prevention.

Potential Side Effects

As a first-generation antihistamine, cyproheptadine can cause notable sedative effects. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and increased appetite. Patients should discuss side effects with a healthcare provider and avoid activities requiring alertness until they know how the medication affects them.

Generic Cyproheptadine vs. Brand-Name Periactin

A comparison between generic cyproheptadine and brand-name Periactin can be seen in the table below. Note that the Periactin brand is discontinued in the U.S. and other regions.


Feature	Generic Cyproheptadine	Brand-Name Periactin
Active Ingredient	Cyproheptadine hydrochloride	Cyproheptadine hydrochloride
Availability	Widely available as a prescription	Discontinued in the U.S. and other regions
Cost	Typically lower cost	Was historically more expensive
Regulatory Status	FDA-approved generic equivalents available	FDA-approved original brand (NDA 12-649)
Forms	Available in tablets and oral solution/syrup	Historically available in tablets and syrup
Reason for Discontinuation	N/A	Withdrawn from sale for business reasons, not due to safety or effectiveness concerns

Conclusion: The Final Word on Cyproheptadine and Periactin

Is Cyproheptadine the same as Periactin? Yes, they are essentially the same medication, with cyproheptadine being the active ingredient and Periactin being the discontinued brand name. This is typical after a drug's patent expires. A prescription for generic cyproheptadine provides the same effect as the original Periactin.

For more detailed clinical information on cyproheptadine, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is an excellent resource: {Link: NIH https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548422/}.

What to Know About Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine is the generic name for Periactin.
Periactin is discontinued, but generic cyproheptadine is available.
Both contain the same active ingredient and are therapeutically equivalent.
It treats allergies and has off-label uses like appetite stimulation.
Drowsiness and dry mouth are common side effects.
Consult a healthcare professional about suitability.

Summary of Cyproheptadine Properties

Cyproheptadine hydrochloride is a first-generation antihistamine used for allergic conditions and off-label for appetite stimulation and serotonin syndrome. It is available by prescription in generic tablets and syrup. It also has antiserotonergic and anticholinergic properties.

Key Takeaways on Cyproheptadine and Periactin

Cyproheptadine is the generic form of the discontinued brand-name Periactin. They share the same active ingredient and are therapeutically equivalent. Used for allergies and appetite stimulation, it commonly causes drowsiness. Generic cyproheptadine is widely available and FDA-approved as equivalent.

Comparing Key Aspects of Generic Cyproheptadine and Periactin


Feature	Generic Cyproheptadine	Brand-Name Periactin
Name	cyproheptadine	Periactin
Status	Generic	Brand, discontinued in US
Cost	Lower	Higher
Appearance	Varies by manufacturer	Consistent, specific branding
Source	Multiple manufacturers	Original manufacturer (Merck & Co.)
Ingredients	Therapeutically identical active ingredient; inactive ingredients may vary	Specific inactive ingredients from original manufacturer
Regulation	FDA-approved as bioequivalent to the brand	FDA-approved as the original drug
Purpose	Same therapeutic purpose: allergies, appetite stimulation, etc.	Same therapeutic purpose

Conclusion

Cyproheptadine and Periactin are essentially the same drug, with the generic form being the current, more accessible option. Patients receiving cyproheptadine are getting the same medication that was once sold as Periactin. Consult a pharmacist or physician for questions about generic vs. brand-name equivalence.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the brand name Periactin has been discontinued in the U.S. and other regions. However, the medication is still available by prescription under its generic name, cyproheptadine.

You will receive a prescription for generic cyproheptadine. It contains the same active ingredient and is therapeutically equivalent to the original Periactin.

The brand name Periactin was withdrawn from the market for business reasons, not due to any issues with safety or effectiveness. Once the patent expired, manufacturers shifted production to the less expensive generic version.

Cyproheptadine is primarily used to treat allergy symptoms like rhinitis and hives. It is also used off-label as an appetite stimulant and to treat conditions like serotonin syndrome or certain types of headaches.

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and weight gain due to increased appetite.

Yes, regulatory bodies like the FDA require generic drugs to be therapeutically equivalent to their brand-name counterparts, meaning they have the same active ingredient, strength, and clinical effect.

Yes, as a first-generation antihistamine, cyproheptadine can cause significant drowsiness. This is a common side effect and can affect an individual's ability to drive or operate machinery.