What are Piriton tablets?
Piriton tablets are a form of medicine which is designed to help to ease the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies. They work quickly and can be used before you even come into contact with something you’re allergic to, keeping irritating symptoms at bay. Piriton can also be used to soothe the itchy rash caused by chickenpox.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever is an allergy which is caused by being sensitive to pollen, which is created by grass, trees, and other plants. If you have hay fever, you can experience unpleasant symptoms when you come into contact with pollen, such as:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Blocked nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy mouth, nose, throat, or ears
- Headache
- Feeling tired
How will these tablets help me to manage my allergies?
Piriton tablets contain 4mg of the active ingredient chlorphenamine maleate, which is an antihistamine. Antihistamines work by blocking a natural substance called histamine, which is created when your body comes into contact with something it’s sensitive to, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust. By blocking histamine, this medication prevents allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and rashes.
Can I drive after taking this product?
Piriton tablets can make you feel drowsy after you have taken them. You should not attempt to drive or operate tools or machinery unless you know that you are not affected in this way.
Can I take this product if I’m taking other medication?
If you’re taking other medication, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product, to make sure that your medications won’t interact. You should not take Piriton if you are taking:
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), which are medications prescribed for depression. Do not take Piriton if you have taken this type of medication within the past 2 weeks
- Other antihistamines, including those used in cough or cold medicine
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you are taking:
- Phenytoin, which is used for epilepsy
- Anxiety medicines
- Medicines used to help you sleep
Can I drink alcohol while I’m taking these tablets?
You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Piriton tablets, as it can make side effects of this medication more likely.
Can I take Piriton if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this or any other medication. Some medications may not be safe for you or your baby at this time and you may need to consider alternative treatment, with the help of a medical professional.
How to take Piriton tablets
Swallow Piriton tablets with a sip of water or another cool drink, using the following doses:
- Adults and children over 12 – Take 1 tablet every 4 – 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 6 tablets in any 24 hours
- Children aged 6 – 12 – Take half a tablet every 4 – 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 6 tablets in any 24 hours
- Elderly people – Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product, as you may be more likely to experience the side effects of this medication. Follow the daily dose recommended by a medical professional, which may be lower than a standard adult dose.
Do not take more than the recommended daily dose.
When should Piriton tablets not be used?
Piriton tablets are not suitable for use by children under the age of 6. Do not use this product if you are allergic to antihistamines or any of the listed ingredients in these tablets. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these tablets if you have:
- Very high blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- An enlarged prostate
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis
- Been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars
Do these tablets have any side effects?
Like all medicines, Piriton can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These side effects include:
- Drowsiness – some people may find this helpful if suffering from symptoms that become worse at night
- Allergic reactions which may be severe, e.g. raised and itchy skin, swelling of the face or mouth which could cause difficulty breathing
- Liver problems
- Anaemia or unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Difficulty passing water
- Collapsing
- Difficulty concentrating, feeling tired, dizziness, headache, blurred vision
- Loss of appetite, indigestion, feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, stomach pain, dry mouth
- Low blood pressure which may make you feel faint, changes in heart rhythm
- Chest tightness, thickening of the phlegm
- Skin peeling, itchy rash, sensitivity to the sun
- Ringing in the ears
- Twitching, muscular weakness, abnormal co-ordination
- Confusion, excitability, irritability, low mood, nightmares
- Excitability in children
If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and seek medical advice immediately. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place which is below 30 degrees C. Store in original packaging and do not use if the expiry date printed on the packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Important Information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to ‘over the counter’ medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
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