ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/cyproheptadine-respiratory
US brand names:Periactin
Cyproheptadine (Respiratory) is dosed at 1–4 mg per cat PO q12h in cats, per Agnew W, Korman R. Pharmacological appetite stimulation: rational choices in the inappetent cat. J Feline Med Surg. 2014;16(9):749-756.; Webb CB. Hepatic lipidosis: Clinical review drawn from collective effort. J Feline Med Surg. 2018;20(3):217-227. doi:10.1177/1098612x18758591 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.356 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Piperidine antihistamine with potent 5-HT2A serotonin receptor antagonism and H1 blockade, providing both antiallergic and antiserotonergic effects. Also acts as bronchodilator.
Appetite stimulation is a prominent effect. Sedation possible. Used for feline asthma as bronchodilator adjunct and serotonin syndrome antidote.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 1–4 mg per cat | q12h | Moderate | Agnew W, Korman R. Pharmacological appetite stimulation: rational choices in the inappetent cat. J Feline Med Surg. 2014;16(9):749-756.; Webb CB. Hepatic lipidosis: Clinical review drawn from collective effort. J Feline Med Surg. 2018;20(3):217-227. doi:10.1177/1098612x18758591 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.356 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.3–2 mg/kg | q8-12h | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.