What is Piriton?
Piriton is a treatment for hay fever and other allergic reactions, available in both tablet and syrup form for children and adults. The active ingredient in Piriton is chlorphenamine, an antihistamine that quickly relieves common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It is known as a sedating antihistamine, which can also help with sleep.
Piriton tablets are suitable for children and adults aged 6 and over, with 60 tablets per pack. Alternatively, the 150ml syrup can be used for children as young as 1 year old.
Piriton Tablets help relieve symptoms caused by hay fever, allergies, and itchy skin rashes. The chlorphenamine maleate in the tablets provides fast relief.
To purchase Piriton online, visit courierpharmacy.co.uk after completing the online consultation form.
What is the Active Ingredient in Piriton Syrup?
Each 5 ml dose of Piriton Syrup contains 2 mg of Chlorphenamine Maleate, an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.
What is Piriton used for?
Piriton is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes. It also provides effective relief for itchy, irritated, or inflamed skin.
Piriton can be used to treat symptoms caused by:
- Hay fever
- Skin allergies and dermatitis
- Pet allergies
- Insect bites and stings
- Allergies from house dust, mould, or dust mites
- Nettle rash and hives
- Heat rash
- Mild food allergies
- Itchy rash from chickenpox
How does Piriton work?
Piriton contains chlorphenamine, an antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors in the body. Histamine is a chemical released during allergic reactions, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, sneezing, and watery eyes. By preventing histamine from attaching to its receptors, chlorphenamine helps reduce these symptoms, providing relief from discomfort. This makes Piriton an effective treatment for a variety of allergic conditions, including hay fever, skin reactions, and other common allergies.
Who should not take Piriton?
Do not take Piriton Tablets if:
- You have had an allergic reaction to antihistamines or any ingredient in the product.
- You have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression in the past two weeks.
- You are currently using other medications that contain antihistamines, including cold or cough remedies.
Take special care with Piriton Tablets:
Before taking Piriton, consult your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Enlarged prostate
- Liver or kidney problems
- Bronchitis, asthma, bronchiectasis, or other chronic lung conditions
Avoid alcohol while using this medication.
Do not drive or operate machinery if Piriton makes you feel drowsy, dizzy, or causes blurred vision.
If you have a known intolerance to certain sugars, talk to your doctor before taking Piriton Tablets.
If you are taking other medicines:
Before using Piriton Tablets, speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking prescribed medications, particularly phenytoin (for epilepsy) or medicines for anxiety or sleep.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Consult your doctor before using Piriton Tablets if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Does Piriton interact with other medications?
Before using Piriton Tablets, it’s important to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications. This is especially important if you are using:
- Phenytoin (for epilepsy)
- Medications for anxiety (anxiolytics)
- Sedatives or hypnotics (for sleep)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) prescribed for depression, particularly if taken within the last two weeks
- Other antihistamines (including those found in cold and cough remedies)
These medications may interact with Piriton, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or reducing the effectiveness of one or both treatments. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements, to ensure Piriton is safe for you to use.
Piriton FAQs
What is Piriton?
Piriton is a popular medication used to treat hay fever and allergies. It is available in both tablet and syrup forms. The active ingredient, chlorphenamine, is an antihistamine that quickly relieves allergy symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. It is also effective in calming irritated or inflamed skin. Piriton is known as a "drowsy antihistamine," which may cause drowsiness, helping with sleep. The tablets are suitable for adults and children over 6 years old, while the syrup can be used by children as young as 1 year old.
What is Piriton used for?
Piriton is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms, including:
- 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
Can Piriton be used for chickenpox?
Yes, Piriton can help relieve the itching caused by chickenpox. While chickenpox usually resolves on its own, the itching can be very uncomfortable. Piriton helps soothe this itching, providing comfort, especially for children over 1 year old.
How does Piriton work?
Piriton contains chlorphenamine, an antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors in the body. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction, causing symptoms like itching and swelling. By preventing histamines from triggering these reactions, Piriton helps reduce allergy symptoms.
How long does Piriton take to work?
Most people feel relief from allergy symptoms or itching within 30 minutes to an hour after taking Piriton.
Does Piriton cause drowsiness?
Yes, Piriton can cause drowsiness because it contains chlorphenamine, a sedating antihistamine. This makes it especially helpful at night, but be aware that it may affect your ability to stay awake during the day. Newer antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine are less likely to cause drowsiness.
What is the difference between Piriton and Piriteze?
Piriton contains chlorphenamine, a sedating antihistamine, while Piriteze contains cetirizine hydrochloride, a newer antihistamine that is less likely to cause drowsiness.
Is it safe to take Piriton with other medications like Calpol?
Yes, it's generally safe to take Piriton with Calpol, which contains paracetamol for pain and fever relief. However, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before combining medications.
What are the side effects of Piriton?
Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Feeling sick
- Loss of appetite
Severe side effects such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention. For a complete list of potential side effects, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet.
What should I avoid while taking Piriton?
While taking Piriton, avoid alcohol as it can increase drowsiness. Be cautious when driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist with any concerns.
