Cyproheptadine Pediatric Dose Calculator
Age-based cyproheptadine dosing for children, with maximum doses, age limits and sources. Enter age and weight for the dose in mg and syrup mL or tablets.
Pediatric dosing
Allergic rhinitis / urticaria
Appetite stimulation (off-label, limited evidence)
Cyproheptadine dose chart by age and weight
Allergic rhinitis / urticaria. Weights are WHO/IAP reference medians for age — always dose on the measured weight.
| Age | Weight | Dose (mg) | Syrup 2 mg/5 mL | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years | 11.8 kg | 2 mg | 5 mL | Two to three times daily |
| 3 years | 14.1 kg | 2 mg | 5 mL | Two to three times daily |
| 4 years | 16.2 kg | 2 mg | 5 mL | Two to three times daily |
| 5 years | 17.5 kg | 2 mg | 5 mL | Two to three times daily |
| 6 years | 19 kg | 2 mg | 5 mL | Two to three times daily |
| 8 years | 24.4 kg | 4 mg | 10 mL | Two to three times daily |
| 10 years | 31.1 kg | 4 mg | 10 mL | Two to three times daily |
| 12 years | 39.4 kg | 4 mg | 10 mL | Two to three times daily |
Strengths in the calculator
- Syrup 2 mg/5 mL (Oral)
- Tablet 4 mg (Oral)
Different strength on your bottle? Use “Different strength on the bottle?” under the result.
Safety
Contraindications and cautions
- Children under 2 years; glaucoma; urinary retention.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Legacy FDA category B. Limited data; prefer a non-sedating antihistamine.
Avoid — may reduce milk supply and sedate the infant.
Clinical notes
Sedating first-generation antihistamine. Evidence for appetite stimulation is limited.
Adult and adolescent (≥40 kg) dose
4 mg — Three times daily (max 4 mg per dose, 32 mg per day).
Other names and brands
Also known as Cyproheptadine hydrochloride.
- India: Practin
Brand examples only — products and strengths vary by country. Always check the label.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cyproheptadine dose for children?
Allergic rhinitis / urticaria: 2 years to <7 years: 2 mg per dose · two to three times daily · max 12 mg/day; 7 years to <15 years: 4 mg per dose · two to three times daily · max 16 mg/day; ≥15 years: 4 mg per dose · three times daily · max 32 mg/day. Usual duration: As needed. Always use the child's measured weight and check the strength on the bottle.
How many mL of syrup 2 mg/5 mL for an 11.8 kg child?
For allergic rhinitis / urticaria, an 11.8 kg child (about 2 years) needs 2 mg per dose — 5 mL of Syrup 2 mg/5 mL, two to three times daily. Recalculate with the child's actual weight.
From what age can cyproheptadine be given?
Age range in PediaRx: ≥2 years – adult. The calculator does not calculate a dose below 2 years. Each indication can have its own age and weight limits, shown with its regimen.
Is cyproheptadine safe in pregnancy?
Legacy FDA category B. Limited data; prefer a non-sedating antihistamine.
Sources and editorial process
- Cyproheptadine — US prescribing information — DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Dosing data last updated 2026-09-27. PediaRx is built and maintained by Dr. Shounak Pal, MBBS (Medical Officer, Government of West Bengal, India — founder and developer of PediaRx). Every regimen is encoded with explicit units, maximum doses and age/weight limits and is checked by automated tests before publication. Report an error: hello@pediarx.com.
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Clinical disclaimer: reference tool for qualified health professionals. Verify every dose against current guidance and the product label before prescribing.
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