| Because of serotonin’s role in allergen-induced bronchoconstriction in cats, the serotonin antagonist cyproheptadine (2 mg, PO, sid-bid) may be used as an adjunct to glucocorticoids and bronchodilators to block bronchoconstriction in chronically asthmatic cats. Because of its long elimination half-life (12 hr), it requires several days to reach steady-state concentrations and may take 4-7 days to be clinically effective. Cyproheptadine’s serotonin
antagonism in the appetite center stimulates appetite, so weight gain may be a problem. Lethargy, depression, and increased appetite may be seen within 24 hr of initiating therapy. |
