What is cyproheptadine (appetite syrup) used for in Nigeria?

Officially, cyproheptadine is an antihistamine for allergies — itching, hives, and a runny nose. In Nigeria, though, it is mostly bought and sold as an 'appetite stimulant' or 'appetite syrup', because a well-known side effect is that it makes you hungry and can cause weight gain. Brands like Apitol, Sumo Active, and Apetifast (often combined with lysine and vitamins) are marketed for exactly this. It is genuinely effective at increasing appetite, which is why parents give it to children who won't eat and adults take it to gain weight — but it is meant for short-term, sensible use, not months of high doses.

Is it safe to use cyproheptadine to gain weight?

For a short, guided boost it is usually well tolerated, but it should not be treated as a safe long-term weight-gain drug. The weight gained often comes back once you stop, and long-term or high-dose use — or using unlabelled 'body enhancement' mixtures from unverified sellers — carries real risks: heavy drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, fast heartbeat, and, in older men, difficulty passing urine. Some street mixtures are secretly spiked with steroids, which is dangerous. Healthy weight gain comes from good food and treating any underlying cause; if you want to gain weight, it is better to speak to a pharmacist or doctor than to self-dose appetite syrup indefinitely.

Can I give cyproheptadine appetite syrup to my child or baby?

Be very careful. It must NOT be given to babies and very young children (generally under 2 years), because antihistamines like cyproheptadine can cause dangerous drowsiness and breathing problems in infants. For older children, the syrups are widely used for poor appetite, but this should ideally be done on a pharmacist's or doctor's advice, at the correct dose for the child's age and weight, and only for a short time. Often a child who 'won't eat' has a treatable reason — such as an infection, worms, or anaemia — that is worth checking first, rather than relying on a syrup.

How much does cyproheptadine cost in Nigeria, and do I need a prescription?

It is inexpensive. Plain generic cyproheptadine tablets can cost just a few hundred naira, while the branded appetite syrups (with lysine and vitamins) such as Sumo Active or Apitol typically cost roughly ₦2,000–₦3,500 for a 200ml bottle. It is widely available over the counter in Nigeria, though in principle it is a medicine that is best used with a pharmacist's guidance — especially for children, older people, and anyone with glaucoma, prostate problems, or on other sedating medicines. Always buy the NAFDAC-registered product from a pharmacy.

Cyproheptadine (Periactin) Price in Nigeria (July 2026): ₦260–₦3,500

Key Facts

Drug Class: First-generation (sedating) antihistamine — appetite stimulant
Prescription: Over the counter
NAFDAC Status: NAFDAC Registered
Forms: Tablet, Syrup
Online price: ~₦260see prices

What is Cyproheptadine?

Cyproheptadine is an older, 'first-generation' antihistamine — related to medicines like chlorpheniramine and promethazine — that is used to relieve allergies such as itching, hives, and a runny nose. In Nigeria, however, it is far better known for a side effect than for its allergy use: it increases appetite and can cause weight gain. For this reason it is sold everywhere as an 'appetite stimulant' or 'appetite syrup', often under brand names like Apitol, Sumo Active, and Apetifast, and frequently combined with lysine and B-vitamins.

As an antihistamine, cyproheptadine blocks histamine (which drives allergy symptoms) and also blocks a brain signal (serotonin) involved in feeling full — which is why it makes people hungrier. It is genuinely effective at increasing appetite, which is why parents give the syrups to children who 'won't eat', and why adults take it to gain weight. It also causes drowsiness, so it can make people sleepy.

It is important to be clear-eyed about this medicine. Used sensibly and briefly, for a genuine allergy or a short appetite boost under guidance, cyproheptadine is inexpensive and usually well tolerated. But its very popular use for weight gain — especially long-term, in high doses, in young children and babies, or as part of 'body enhancement' mixtures bought from unverified sellers — carries real risks. It is not a healthy or lasting way to gain weight, and it should not be given to infants or used casually without advice. Always buy a NAFDAC-registered product and use it thoughtfully.

What is Cyproheptadine used for?

In Nigeria, Cyproheptadine is commonly used for:

Increasing appetite ('appetite stimulant') — its main use in Nigeria, ideally short-term and under guidance
Allergic itching and hives (urticaria)
Allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes)
Some allergic skin reactions
Occasionally, specific medical uses (such as certain headaches) under a doctor's direction

Dosage

IMPORTANT

Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.

Adults

For allergies, a common dose is 4mg (one tablet) three times a day. When used to stimulate appetite, lower or once/twice-daily dosing is often used, and it should be for a limited period rather than indefinitely. Because it causes drowsiness, many people take it in the evening. It can be taken with or without food.

Children

Cyproheptadine syrups are widely given to children for appetite, but this should be done carefully and ideally on medical advice, using the dose for the child's age and weight. It must NOT be given to babies and very young children (generally under 2 years), in whom antihistamines like this can cause dangerous drowsiness and breathing problems. 'My child won't eat' is common and usually not solved by a syrup — a health worker can check for causes (such as infection, worms, or anaemia) first.

Elderly

Use with caution. Older adults are more sensitive to the drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary problems it can cause, and it can worsen glaucoma and prostate problems.

Cyproheptadine is meant for short-term use. Taking it continuously for months to keep gaining weight is not how it should be used, and the weight gained often comes back once it is stopped. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how drowsy it makes you, and avoid alcohol. Never give it to a baby or use unlabelled 'appetite' or 'body enhancement' mixtures from unverified sellers, which may contain hidden steroids or wrong doses.

Side Effects

Common side effects

•Drowsiness and sleepiness (very common)
•Increased appetite and weight gain (the intended effect when used for that reason)
•Dry mouth
•Dizziness
•Constipation

Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately

In babies and very young children: dangerous drowsiness, breathing difficulty, or seizures — this is why it must not be used in infants
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Difficulty passing urine (especially in older men with prostate problems)
Worsening of glaucoma (eye pressure)
Confusion, agitation, or hallucinations, particularly at high doses or in the elderly
Signs of a serious allergic reaction to the medicine itself

When to see a doctor

Seek urgent care if a child — especially a baby — becomes very drowsy, floppy, or has trouble breathing after taking it. See a doctor for a fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty passing urine, eye pain or vision changes, or confusion. If appetite or weight loss is the real concern, get it assessed properly rather than relying on the syrup, as ongoing poor appetite or weight loss can have an underlying cause.

Warnings & Precautions

Do not take Cyproheptadine if you have:

Do not use in newborns, babies, or very young children (generally under 2 years)
Avoid in glaucoma (raised eye pressure)
Avoid in men with prostate enlargement or difficulty passing urine
Avoid in stomach or bowel obstruction and in severe liver disease
Do not use with, or within two weeks of, MAOI antidepressants
Use caution in the elderly, in asthma, and in heart disease
Do not use if you are allergic to cyproheptadine

Drug interactions

•Alcohol and other sedatives (sleeping tablets, some pain and anxiety medicines) add to drowsiness
•MAOI antidepressants — should not be combined
•Other 'anticholinergic' medicines increase dry mouth, constipation, and urinary problems
•Tell a pharmacist about all medicines, and be wary of 'appetite' or weight-gain mixtures that hide extra ingredients such as steroids

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Cyproheptadine is generally not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a doctor advises it, and it should not be used to try to gain weight during these times. Antihistamines like this can affect a nursing baby and may reduce milk supply. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and think you need it, ask a doctor or pharmacist first.

Brands of Cyproheptadine in Nigeria

The NAFDAC registry holds 22 Cyproheptadine products from 16 manufacturers, including combination products and older listings whose status you can check in the full list. Below are some of the most common brands — see the full, searchable list for all of them.

Brand Name	Manufacturer	Strength	Form	NAFDAC Reg. No.
Apitol Syrup	Me Cure Industries Limited	2mg/5ml	Syrup	A4-4942
Apitol Tablets	Me Cure Industries Limited	4mg	Tablet	A4-3376
Sumo Active Syrup	Ratnamani Healthcare Pvt. Ltd (imported by GBGL Pharma Limited)	2mg/5ml (with lysine + multivitamins)	Syrup	B4-8122
Avro Apetit Syrup	Avro Pharma Limited	2mg/5ml (with B-vitamins)	Syrup	B4-4501
Periactin	Merck / originator brand	4mg	Tablet
Cyproheptadine	Various generic manufacturers	4mg, 2mg/5ml	Tablet

See all 22 registered Cyproheptadine brands

How to Verify Your Cyproheptadine is Genuine

1Buy cyproheptadine (or brands like Apitol, Sumo Active, Avro Apetit) from a licensed pharmacy
2Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack and verify it on the NAFDAC Green Book or app — for example Apitol Syrup is A4-4942 and Apitol Tablets A4-3376 (Me Cure)
3Note on Sumo Active (B4-8122): although it is sold widely, the NAFDAC Greenbook lists this registration as EXPIRED since November 2023 (approved 2018, not yet shown as renewed as of July 2026). Check its current status on the Greenbook before buying, especially in bulk
4Check the expiry date and that the packaging is sealed and untampered
5Be very cautious of loose tablets, unlabelled 'appetite' or 'body enhancement' syrups, and social-media weight-gain mixtures — these may be unregistered, wrongly dosed, or spiked with steroids
6For a child, confirm the product is meant for children and get the right dose from a pharmacist

Use our NAFDAC Checker tool

Cyproheptadine Price in Nigeria

As of July 2026, Cyproheptadine sells for about ₦260 online in Nigeria across HealthPlus. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

Online retail (sampled)

HealthPlus

₦260

From 1 listing across HealthPlus — brands and pack sizes vary · updated July 2026.

Price trend

We've tracked Cyproheptadine online prices since July 2026 — median ₦260 (range ₦260–₦260, from 1 listing). This updates monthly, and the month-on-month trend will appear here — see the Nigerian Medicine Price Index for prices across all tracked drugs.

Where to Buy

Purchase Cyproheptadine only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.

Before you buy, verify the product's NAFDAC registration and check the current online prices above so you know a fair price before you pay.

Buying Cyproheptadine in bulk or for resale? Our guide on how to buy medicines in bulk in Nigeria safely covers verifying a supplier and spotting fakes before a large order.

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Related Resources for Cyproheptadine

Guides, articles, and tools related to Cyproheptadine and other allergy medicines in Nigeria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

•NAFDAC Greenbook — the official database of all products registered with Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Brand-level NAFDAC numbers for Cyproheptadine on this page were cross-referenced against the Greenbook.
•British National Formulary (BNF) dosing and interaction guidance for Cyproheptadine.
•Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health).

Last updated: 22 July 2026

Cyproheptadine