Piriton is a fast-acting antihistamine tablet containing chlorphenamine maleate (扑尔敏) 4mg, used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever, hives, insect bites and itchy skin rashes in adults and children aged 6 and over, supplied by Ways Pharmacy (UK).
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Chlorphenamine maleate (扑尔敏) 4mg per tablet |
|---|---|
| Type | Sedating (first-generation) antihistamine — can cause drowsiness |
| Format | Oral tablet |
| Pack | 60 tablets |
| Relieves | Hay fever, hives (urticaria), insect bites and stings, and itchy rashes including chickenpox |
| Age | Adults and children aged 6 years and over |
| Dose | Adults: one tablet every 4–6 hours, up to 6 tablets in 24 hours |
| Sold by | Ways Pharmacy, UK (GPhC-registered) |
Who it is for
- Adults and children aged 6 and over with hay fever symptoms
- People with hives (urticaria), itchy rashes or the itch of chickenpox
- People reacting to insect bites and stings
- People who do not mind a drowsy-type antihistamine, or want one that may help at night
Not suitable for: children under 6; anyone allergic to chlorphenamine or any other ingredient. Speak to your pharmacist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are elderly, or have glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, epilepsy, liver disease, or heart, kidney or thyroid problems, or are taking other medicines.
How to use
- Read the patient information leaflet supplied with the pack before you start.
- Adults and children aged 12 and over: take one tablet (4mg) every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 6 tablets (24mg) in 24 hours.
- Children aged 6 to 12: take half a tablet (2mg) every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 6 doses (12mg) in 24 hours.
- Swallow with water. Do not exceed the stated dose.
- If symptoms persist, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Does Piriton make you drowsy?
Yes. Piriton contains chlorphenamine, a first-generation antihistamine that commonly causes drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery if affected, and avoid alcohol while taking it.
What is Piriton used for?
Piriton relieves the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, hives (urticaria), insect bites and stings, and itchy rashes including the itch of chickenpox.
How often can I take Piriton?
Adults take one tablet every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 6 tablets in 24 hours. Children aged 6 to 12 take half a tablet on the same schedule. Do not exceed the stated dose.
What is the difference between Piriton and cetirizine or loratadine?
Piriton (chlorphenamine) is a sedating antihistamine that is shorter-acting and often causes drowsiness, while cetirizine and loratadine are once-daily, non-drowsy options. Your pharmacist can help you choose.
Can I take Piriton in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to your pharmacist or doctor before taking Piriton so they can advise whether it is suitable for you.
Safety and storage
- Always read the patient information leaflet before use, as manufacturers update it regularly.
- Piriton can cause drowsiness; if affected, do not drive or operate machinery, and avoid alcohol.
- Do not take Piriton if you are allergic to chlorphenamine or any other ingredient.
- Speak to your pharmacist before use if you are elderly or have glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, epilepsy, liver disease, or heart, kidney or thyroid problems.
- Store below the temperature stated on the pack, keep out of the sight and reach of children, and do not use after the expiry date.
References
- NHS — Hay fever
- NHS — Chlorphenamine (Piriton)
- Piriton (chlorphenamine) Patient Information Leaflet via emc
This page provides factual information about an over-the-counter allergy medicine. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. Piriton can cause drowsiness — do not drive or operate machinery if affected. If you are unsure whether Piriton is right for you, or your symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist. Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
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