Obesity is currently one of the world’s biggest health problems. However, being underweight may be just as bad for your health. According to one study, being underweight was associated with a 140% greater risk of early death in men, and 100% in women.
Although being lean can often be healthy, being underweight can be a concern if it’s the result of poor nutrition or if you are pregnant or have other health concerns. Being underweight is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5. This is estimated to be less than the body mass needed to sustain optimal health. Conversely, over 25 is considered overweight and over 30 is considered obese. Use this calculator to see where you fit on the BMI scale (opens in a new tab).
What is Cipla Actin?
Cipla Actin is a South African brand of Cyproheptadine widely used for its appetite-stimulating ability. Cyproheptadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Cipla Actin tablets contain Cyproheptadine hydrochloride 4mg as the active ingredient.
Cipla Actin pills relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by allergies, irritants in the air, and hay fever. It may also be used to relieve the itching of allergic skin conditions, and to treat hives, including hives caused by exposure to cold temperatures and by rubbing the skin.
Cipla Actin pills are sometimes used to treat allergic reactions in people who have received blood products as part of medical treatment and to treat life-threatening allergic reactions after the symptoms have been brought under control with other medications. Cipla Actin pills will help relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of symptoms or speed recovery.
Does Cipla Actin help to gain weight?
The active ingredient in Cipla Actin (Cyproheptadine hydrochloride) is a histamine antagonist with an appetite-stimulating effect. The probable mechanism for the appetite-stimulating effect of Cipla Actin including its ability to trigger hunger is through the stimulation of growth hormone secretion by deep sleep induction.
Studies have shown that the active ingredient in Cipla Actin is effective in producing appetite stimulation and weight gain in healthy, underweight, adults.
How long does Cipla Actin take to work?
Cipla Actin usually acts within 2 hours. Cyproheptadine is well-absorbed following oral ingestion, with peak plasma levels occurring after 1 to 3 hours. Its terminal half-life, when taken orally, is approximately 8 hours.
This medicine can cause you to have a false positive drug screening test. If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell the laboratory staff that you are taking cyproheptadine.
What are the side effects of Cipla Actin pills?
Common side effects of Cipla Actin pills include:
• Abnormal facial movements (dyskinesia)
• Acute labyrinthitis
• Blurred vision
• Central nervous system (CNS) depression
• Chills
• Cholestasis
• Constipation
• Delirium
• Diarrhea
• Disturbed coordination/loss of coordination
• Dizziness
• Double vision
• Dry mouth, nose, and throat
• Early menses
• ECG changes (e.g., widened QRS)
• Eczema
• Euphoria
• Faintness
• Headache
• Hepatitis
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Impotence
• Increased sweating
• Increased urination
• Irritability
• Itching
• Lack of energy
• Liver failure
• Liver function abnormality
• Loss of appetite
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Numbness and tingling
• Palpitations
• Redness on exposed skin
• Restlessness or excitability (especially in children)
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Sedation ranging from mild drowsiness to deep sleep (most frequent)
• Seizures
• Skin inflammation
• Skin rash
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Stuffy nose
• Thickening of mucus in the nose/throat
• Tightness of chest
• Tired feeling
• Toxic psychosis
• Upset stomach
• Urinary retention
• Visual disturbances
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Weight gain
• Wheezing
• Yellowing skin and eyes (jaundice) (rare)
Serious side effects of cyproheptadine include:
• Mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, confusion, hallucinations)
• Shaking (tremors)
• Difficult or painful urinating
• Fast/irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) (e.g., extrasystole, heart block).
This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.
Does Cipla Actin affect periods?
Yes, Cipla Actin can affect your menstrual cycle. In a study involving 15 women, 10 of the 15 women had menstrual bleeding while receiving cyproheptadine. This drug can correct the menstrual cycle by lowering prolactin levels. High prolactin levels interfere with the normal production of other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. This can change or stop ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). It can also lead to irregular or missed periods.
However, gaining too much weight using Cipla Actin pills can also affect your menstrual cycle. If you’re overweight, your body may produce an excess amount of oestrogen, one of the hormones that regulate the reproductive system in women. Excess estrogen can affect how often you have periods, and can also cause your periods to stop.
What medication interact with Cipla Actin pills?
Taking Cipla Actin pills with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic medication, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with Cipla Actin pills, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
