Using Cyproheptadine to Help Children with Feeding Disorders

The Use of Cyproheptadine to Improve Eating Habits in Children With Pediatric Feeding Disorders

Phase 4 Interventional University of Miami · NCT06751290

This study is testing if a medication called Cyproheptadine can help young children with feeding disorders eat better and gain weight.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 6 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Miami Academic / other
Locations1 site (Miami, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06751290 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cyproheptadine, an appetite stimulant, in improving eating habits among children aged 2-6 years diagnosed with Pediatric Feeding Disorders. Participants will receive Cyproheptadine along with nutritional and behavioral counseling to address issues related to poor weight gain and malnutrition. The study will assess changes in eating behaviors and overall health outcomes in these children. The trial is conducted at the University of Miami's Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 2-6 years who exhibit poor weight gain or feeding issues and have been diagnosed with a pediatric feeding disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are tube-fed, overweight, or have active gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the nutritional intake and health of children suffering from feeding disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of appetite stimulants in pediatric feeding disorders is not extensively studied, there is some evidence suggesting potential benefits, making this approach promising yet somewhat novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Any patient aged 2-6 years of age who presents to Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic with complaint of "poor weight gain, malnutrition, failure to thrive/weight faltering, picky eating, or feeding issues" who screens positive for a pediatric feeding disorder using the Child eating disorder questionnaire (CEBQ)
* Age Range: 2-6 years
* English or Spanish speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are tube fed
* Patients who are overweight (BMI at 85th%tile or greater)
* Patients who have active symptoms from a diagnosis of a GI disorder (Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Gastritis)
* Patients actively undergoing behavioral feeding therapy

Where this trial is running

Miami, Florida

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pediatric Feeding Disorder, ChronicAvoidant Restrictive Food Intake DisorderCyproheptadineMalnutrition
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.