Piriton Tablets & Syrup

What is Piriton?

Piriton tablets and syrup are great hay fever and allergy treatments for children and adults. Piriton contains an antihistamine ingredient called chlorphenamine that quickly relieves the bothersome symptoms of hay fever and other reactions and allergies.

This formula is what is known as a drowsy antihistamine, which can also help to aid restful sleep. Each box contains 60 tablets that are suitable for children and adults over 6 years or you can buy one 150ml bottle of syrup that can be taken from the age of 1 year.

What is Piriton used for?

Piriton is an antihistamine which helps to relieve symptoms of allergies including a runny nose, sneezing, and watery or itchy eyes but is also very effective at soothing itchy, irritated or inflamed skin.

You can take Piriton to ease symptoms from the following:

• Hay Fever
• Skin allergies and dermatitis
• Pet allergies
• Insect bites and stings
• House, mould or dust mite allergies
• Nettle rash and hives
• Heat rash
• Mild food allergies
• The itchy rash of chickenpox

Piriton for chickenpox

Chickenpox is a very common illness in children causing very itchy, fluid-filled blisters. The symptoms of chickenpox usually will improve over time without treatment but it can be very hard to stop a child from itching and scratching the blisters.

If your child is over the age of 1 year and is suffering from the itching caused by chickenpox then taking Piriton, daily while symptoms last, can help to make your child feel more comfortable.

Other things that can help to make your child more comfortable include:

1. Making sure they are drinking adequate fluids to avoid dehydration
2. Dressing them in suitable clothing to avoid getting too hot or too cold
3. Keeping their nails short and clean
4. Giving them a children's paracetamol

How does Piriton work?

Piriton contains an antihistamine called Chlorphenamine which reduces symptoms of allergies by blocking the histamine receptors in the body. This process stops the histamines causing the allergic response that leads to symptoms appearing.

How long does Piriton take to work?

Most people report feeling some relief from allergies or itching within 30 minutes to an hour after taking Piriton.

Does Piriton make you drowsy?

Chlorphenamine is known as a sedating antihistamine because it works directly on the brain and it can cause some people to feel more drowsy making it particularly effective to reduce symptoms during the night. Newer variations of antihistamines such as loratadine and cetirizine are known to make people less drowsy.

Piriton vs Piriteze

One key difference between Piriton and Piriteze is their active ingredients. Both products are part of the drug group known as antihistamines, they contain different active ingredients.

Piriton has the active ingredient chlorphenamine which is known as a sedating antihistamine whereas Piriteze contains the active ingredient cetirizine hydrochloride. This is a newer form of antihistamine that is less likely to cause drowsiness.

Other prescription treatments for hay fever & allergy include:

• Dymista Nasal Spray
• Avamys Nasal Spray
• Desloratadine 5mg Tablets
• Loratadine 10mg Tablets

Here's some more information about Desloratadine vs Loratadine.

Piriton and Calpol

Calpol is a medicine that contains paracetamol which is used to reduce pain and fevers in children. It is perfectly safe to take Piriton and Calpol (or paracetamol) at the same time. At The Independent Pharmacy, we do not currently sell any form of paracetamol syrup, including Calpol.

Piriton and alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Piriton can increase your chances of feeling drowsy and experiencing other unwanted side effects. You should therefore avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Piriton.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/chlorphenamine-including-piriton/
• https://www.piriallergy.com/product-range/piriton/
• Piriton Allergy Tablets Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3927/pil
• Piriton Syrup Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3928/pil

Piriton warnings

Before taking this medicine please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet for either Piriton Tablets or Piriton Syrup.

Speak to a doctor before taking Piriton if any of the following apply to you:

• You have primary angle-closure glaucoma
• You are experiencing problems emptying your bladder
• You have epilepsy or have a condition that causes seizures
• You are currently taking or have recently stopped taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medicine.

Piriton in pregnancy & breastfeeding

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Piriton if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. They will be able to advise you what is the best treatment for you at this time.

Piriton and driving

Piriton is a sedating antihistamine and is known to make some people feel more tired than usual. You should wait to see how Piriton affects you before operating machinery or driving.

Piriton dosage

Piriton is for oral use only and can be taken by children and adults over the age of 1 year to treat symptoms of allergies.

Piriton Tablets:

Children age 6-12 years: Take ½ of a tablet every 4-6 hours as needed. Taking no more than 6 halves in 24 hours.

Children and adults over the age of 12 years: Take 1 tablet every 4-6 hours as needed. Taking no more than 6 tablets in 24 hours.

Piriton Syrup:

Children 1-2 years: Take one 2.5 ml spoonful twice daily

Children 2-6 years: Take one 2.5 ml spoonful every 4-6 hours. Maximum six 2.5 ml spoonfuls in 24 hours.

Children 6-12 years: Take one 5 ml spoonful every 4-6 hours. Maximum six 5 ml spoonfuls in 24 hours.

Adults and children over 12 years: Take two 5 ml spoonfuls every 4-6 hours. Maximum twelve spoonfuls in 24 hours.

Before taking either Piriton Tablets or Piriton Syrup you must read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Piriton overdose

If you take too much Piriton you must call a doctor or emergency department as soon as possible. Do not drive as this medicine may make you drowsy.

Piriton ingredients

Piriton Tablets

Each tablet contains the active ingredient: 4 mg of Chlorphenamine.

Each tablet contains the inactive ingredients: Lactose, maize starch, yellow iron oxide (E 172), magnesium stearate and water.

Piriton Syrup:

Every 5 ml of syrup contains the active ingredient: 2 mg of Chlorphenamine

Every 5 ml of syrup contains the inactive ingredients: Sucrose, glycerol, ethanol, tingle flavour, peppermint oil, water and, methyl, ethyl and propyl hydroxybenzoates (E 218, E 214 and E 216).

For full details please make sure you have read the Patient Information Leaflets thoroughly for either Piriton Tablets or Piriton Syrup.

Piriton side effects

Taking Piriton can cause some people to experience unwanted side effects. If you are worried about any side effects or they do not improve once you have stopped taking Piriton to speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

The most common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Feeling sick
• Loss of appetite

If you experience any severe side effects that cause swelling of the face or you are having difficulty breathing you need to seek immediate medical attention either by calling 999 or attending your nearest emergency department.

For full details regarding side effects please take the time to read all the information in the Patient Information Leaflet.