Description:

Gudapet Capsules 30’s (by Entrance Pharmaceuticals) is an oral appetite stimulant and nutritional supplement capsule formulated to improve appetite, promote weight gain, support growth in underweight individuals, and aid recovery from illness, malnutrition, or poor eating habits. It combines cyproheptadine hydrochloride (an antihistamine with strong appetite-stimulating side effects) with lysine (an essential amino acid) and B-complex vitamins to enhance hunger, nutritional intake, and energy levels. It is a popular OTC capsule supplement in Ghana (Accra) pharmacies for children and adults needing better appetite or weight gain support (alternative to the syrup form).

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement/appetite stimulant in Ghana. No prescription required; freely available in pharmacies and retail outlets. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use, especially in children, pregnant/breastfeeding women, or if poor appetite is due to underlying illness (e.g., infection, thyroid disorder, gastrointestinal issue).

Therapeutic Category:

Appetite Stimulant / Antihistamine + Nutritional Supplement (Cyproheptadine for hunger stimulation; lysine/vitamins for nutritional support).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each capsule typically contains (standard formulation):

• Cyproheptadine hydrochloride – 4 mg (primary appetite stimulant via 5-HT₂C and H₁ receptor blockade in the hypothalamus).
• L-Lysine hydrochloride – 150–300 mg (essential amino acid; supports protein synthesis and appetite).
• B-complex vitamins (in varying amounts):
  • Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
  • Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
  • Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)
  • Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) Other ingredients: Capsule shell (gelatin or vegetarian), excipients (e.g., magnesium stearate, talc, starch).

Vitamins: Yes – B-complex vitamins (B1/thiamine, B2/riboflavin, B3/nicotinamide, B6/pyridoxine, B12/cyanocobalamin) for energy metabolism and nutritional support.

Minerals: None (no significant mineral content; some similar capsules add zinc/iron, but standard Gudapet capsules do not).

Variant:

• Gudapet Capsules 30’s (standard capsule pack for 15–30 day supply at 1–2/day). Related variants: Gudapet Syrup 200ml (liquid form), Gudapet Forte (higher potency or added nutrients), or pediatric-focused versions. The 30 capsules is the common monthly supply size.

Consume Type:

Oral – Capsules (swallow whole with water; do not chew or open).

Directions/Usage: Adults: Typically 1 capsule twice daily (before meals) or as directed on label/pharmacist.

• Children (if prescribed): Lower dose (consult doctor/pharmacist; often half or less).
• Take before meals to stimulate appetite.
• Duration: Short-term (e.g., 2–4 weeks or until appetite improves); do not use long-term without medical advice.
• Combine with balanced diet for best results.

Common Side Effects: Common (mild):

• Drowsiness/sedation (from cyproheptadine)
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Increased appetite/weight gain (intended effect)
• Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Rare/serious (seek help): Severe drowsiness, confusion, allergic reactions (rash/swelling), liver issues (jaundice), or overdose symptoms (delirium, seizures, cardiac effects).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 3×10 = 30 capsules per pack; foil blisters in carton with label showing nutritional info and dosing guide).

Storage Advice: Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature (below 25–30°C), away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Not FDA-approved in many countries (cyproheptadine is Rx elsewhere; unregulated sale raises contamination/adulteration risks).
• Consult doctor before use if pregnant/breastfeeding (cyproheptadine generally avoided in pregnancy), have glaucoma, urinary retention, prostate issues, or on sedatives/antidepressants (increases drowsiness).
• Do not exceed dose (risk of sedation, anticholinergic effects, or overdose).
• If drowsiness occurs, avoid driving/machinery.
• If severe sedation, confusion, or allergic symptoms occur, stop use and seek medical care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk from cyproheptadine).

Product Substitutes: Similar appetite stimulant capsules in Ghana include:

• Apetamin Capsules (similar cyproheptadine + lysine + vitamins).
• Apeti Capsules (cyproheptadine 4mg + lysine + B vitamins).
• Apetite Capsules or other cyproheptadine-based capsules.
• Feroglobin Capsules (iron + vitamins, no cyproheptadine). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Entrance Pharmaceuticals & Research Centre (Ghana-based; produces Gudapet as part of its nutritional tonic range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by Entrance (subsidiary of Tobinco Group; address: Accra, Ghana).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Entrance Pharmaceuticals; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local product).