Piriton Syrup for Allergy Relief - 150ml

Product Summary

Piriton Syrup is used to treat the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies in those over the age of 1 year.

Piriton syrup contains chlorphenamine, which is used to treat a variety of allergic reactions including itchiness, redness, swelling, tenderness and irritation. These can be caused by:

• hay fever and pet, house dust mite and mould spore allergies
• nettle rash and hives
• skin allergies and dermatitis
• prickly heat and heat rash
• reactions to food, food additives or medicines
• insect bites and stings
• the itchy rash of chickenpox.

Directions

• Children 1–2 years: One 2.5 ml spoonful twice daily at least 4 hours apart (MAXIMUM two 2.5 ml spoonfuls per day: total 5 ml daily dose)
• Children 2–6 years: One 2.5 ml spoonful every 4–6 hours (MAXIMUM six 2.5 ml spoonfuls per day: total 15 ml daily dose)
• Children 6–12 years: One 5 ml spoonful every 4–6 hours (MAXIMUM six 5 ml spoonfuls per day: total 30 ml daily dose)
• Adults and children over 12 years: two 5 ml spoonfuls (10 ml) every 4–6 hours (MAXIMUM twelve 5 ml spoonfuls: total 60 ml daily dose)

If you are over the age of 65, you may be more likely to get side effects, including confusion, so you may need to take a lower daily dose. Please discuss with your pharmacist to determine the right dose for you.

Take a dose as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time to take the next one.

Never take two doses together.

Ingredients

• Active ingredient: Each 5 ml dose contains Chlorphenamine Maleate 2 mg.
• Other ingredients are Sucrose, glycerol, ethanol, tingle flavour, peppermint oil, water and, as a preservative, a mixture of methyl, ethyl and propyl hydroxybenzoates (E 218, E 214 and E 216).

Methyl, ethyl and propyl hydroxybenzoates (E 218, E 214 and E 216) may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

Warnings and Restrictions

Please consult your pharmacist or doctor before using this medicine if you are currently pregnant, likely to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Please consult your pharmacist or doctor if you are currently taking any other medicines, as this may cause an interaction.

If you think you may be allergic to any of the ingredients contained in this medicine, please seek medical advice before taking it.

If you have any questions after you have bought this medication, please speak to your pharmacist.

Do not use this product:

• if you suffer from some types of epilepsy (speak to your doctor first).
• during pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless otherwise instructed to do so by a doctor
• if you have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), prescribed for depression, in the last two weeks.

Do not give this medicine to children under the age of 1 year without speaking to your doctor.

Avoid drinking alcohol with this medicine.

Piriton Syrup contains 6.3% v/v ethanol (alcohol), similar to 6.3 ml beer or 2.6 ml wine per 5 ml spoonful. This could be harmful if you suffer from alcoholism.

Do not drive or operate machinery if the syrup makes you feel sleepy dizzy or if you experience blurred vision.

Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Taking other medicines

Speak to your doctor if you are taking any other medications, as Piriton Syrup may interact with some prescribed and non-prescribed medicines.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Is Piriton Syrup appropriate for long-term management of allergies?

Piriton Syrup is only for relief from short-term allergy symptoms such as hay fever, hives, and insect bites. It is not generally recommended to use it on a continuous basis over long periods unless instructed to do so by a doctor or pharmacist. Taking it for prolonged periods without medical supervision can increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or altered behaviour in children. In children with persistent allergies, alternative treatments such as non-sedating antihistamines or allergen avoidance measures may be a better option. Consult a pharmacist or GP at all times regarding your child's recurring symptoms to ensure that they are receiving the safest and most effective treatment. Never take more than the prescribed dose, and ensure to follow up regularly if symptoms persist.

Is it okay to take Piriton Syrup with other cold or flu drugs?

Care should be taken when giving Piriton Syrup with cold and flu medicines, particularly those that might also contain antihistamines or sedatives. These combined may increase the risk of side effects, such as excessive drowsiness, dizziness, or dry mouth. Some other cold medicines contain paracetamol, decongestants, or alcohol that are not compatible with chlorphenamine. Read the labels on all your child's medicines and speak to a pharmacist if unsure. It is especially important not to "double-dose" on the same ingredients. Your pharmacist can advise on safe combinations and the timing of doses if more than one needs to be administered.

Where should I store Piriton Syrup?

Store Piriton Syrup in a dry and cool place at a temperature not exceeding 25°C and out of reach of children. Do not freeze the syrup and keep the bottle tightly shut at all times to protect it from dampness and contamination. Never use the syrup after the expiry date printed on the bottle and pack. Medications lose their potency after a while and even become harmful at times. If you find the syrup has passed its expiration date, return it to your neighbourhood pharmacy for disposal. Do not ever pour medications down the toilet or into domestic waste. If unsure about storage or looks of the syrup (such as if it changes colour or has an off smell), ask your pharmacist.

What should I do if a child has taken too much Piriton Syrup?

When a child has ingested an excess of Piriton Syrup than prescribed, seek the advice of a physician immediately, even if the child seems to be fine at first. Symptoms of overdose can be extremely drowsy, confused, restless, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, or hallucinations. In extreme situations, overdose can hinder breathing or cause seizures. Do not try to make the child vomit unless advised by a medical professional. It is advisable to bring the bottle and packaging with you if you go in for treatment, so that the ingredients and dose are well outlined. Keep drugs safely out of the reach of children and in child-resistant containers in order not to overdose accidentally.

Is Piriton Syrup safe for children with asthma to use?

Asthmatic kids should use Piriton Syrup only upon the recommendation of a doctor. Although antihistamines like chlorphenamine can relieve allergy-related asthma symptoms in a few instances, they can thicken the lung mucus and therefore worsen breathing in some contexts. Monitor your kid's response to the medication carefully and immediately report any increase in cough, wheezing, or breathlessness. Your physician or pharmacist will suggest other antihistamines or asthma medication that is more appropriate, depending on the particular condition of your child. Always provide a full medical history when requesting advice on new medicine, and never substitute prescribed asthma medication with Piriton without consulting first.

Does Piriton Syrup affect school attendance or daily activity?

Yes, Piriton Syrup can cause some individuals to feel drowsy, less alert, or slower in their reactions, especially in children. These effects can influence concentration, learning, and bodily coordination when in school or participating in sports. It is advisable to observe how your child reacts to the syrup before sending them to school or allowing them to participate in activities that require attention, such as riding a bicycle. In some children, the syrup may cause restlessness or alter their mood instead of inducing sleep. If you notice any odd behaviour or side effects, consult your pharmacist. For daytime allergy relief, a non-sedating antihistamine might be a better option — consult for safer alternatives.

Is Piriton Syrup sugar-free or alcohol-free?

Piriton Syrup has sucrose (sugar) and ethanol (alcohol) in it, and such products might not suit every child, especially those with diabetes, alcohol intolerance, or other nutritional needs. There is no official sugar-free or alcohol-free Piriton Syrup available at present. Other antihistamine products, however, come in sugar-free and alcohol-free formulations for children. Your pharmacist can recommend suitable alternatives based on your child's age, conditions, and symptoms of allergy. Be sure to read the ingredient label and consult with a professional if you are unsure which product best meets your child's needs.