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A retrospective review of cyproheptadine for feeding intolerance in children less than three years of age: effects and side effects
Author(s) -
Merhar Stephanie L.,
Pentiuk Scott P.,
Mukkada Vincent A.,
MeinzenDerr Jareen,
Kaul Ajay,
Butler Dawn R.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.13477
Subject(s) - cyproheptadine , vomiting , medicine , retrospective cohort study , constipation , nausea , pediatrics , cyclic vomiting syndrome , failure to thrive , anesthesia , receptor , serotonin
Aim Premature infants and those with brain injury often suffer from feeding intolerance and vomiting in the first several years of life. Cyproheptadine is a medication with antihistaminergic, antiserotonergic and anticholinergic effects, thought to increase gastric accommodation. We aimed to retrospectively review our experience using cyproheptadine for feeding intolerance and/or vomiting in children under the age of three. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of 39 patients less than three years of age who were prescribed cyproheptadine for feeding intolerance or vomiting and had follow‐up information available. Results Starting dose ranged widely (from 0.069 to 0.825 mg/kg/day). Side effects such as sleepiness and constipation were rare. The medication had a significant positive effect, defined as resolution of vomiting, improved feeding tolerance or improved comfort with feeds, in 67% of children. An additional 28% showed possible improvement, defined as some improvement in vomiting or improvement in vomiting or feeding tolerance in conjunction with other changes in addition to cyproheptadine. Conclusion In our experience, cyproheptadine appears to be safe and effective in decreasing vomiting and feeding intolerance in children less than three years of age. A trial of cyproheptadine could be considered before invasive testing in infants with feeding issues.