Piriton Syrup: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Piriton Syrup contains chlorphenamine maleate, an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms and certain coughs. It works by blocking histamine, the chemical the body releases during an allergic reaction, which helps reduce swelling, itching, and related symptoms. It is available as a syrup and should be used as directed on the label or by your doctor or pharmacist.

What is Piriton Syrup

Piriton Syrup is a medicine used to relieve allergy symptoms. It contains chlorphenamine maleate, which helps reduce the effects of histamine, the chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction.

Piriton Syrup uses

• Relieving allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose
• Relieving cough due to throat irritation
• Reducing itchy skin rashes
• Chest congestion and throat irritation
• Cold symptoms and seasonal allergies
• Helping loosen mucus for easier breathing

Benefits of Piriton Syrup

• Helps reduce the effects of histamine released during an allergic reaction
• Can help relieve symptoms of some allergies and itchy skin rashes

How Piriton Syrup works

The active ingredient, chlorphenamine maleate, is an antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. This helps reduce swelling, itching, and other allergy symptoms.

Piriton Syrup dosage

Always follow the label or patient leaflet. This medicine can be taken with or without food, and the bottle should be shaken well before use. It can make you sleepy, so avoid driving, cycling, or operating machinery if affected. Some children may become restless or excitable instead of sleepy. Do not take with other antihistamines unless a clinician advises. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose; do not take a double dose. The minimum interval between doses should be several hours as directed on the label.

Available forms and strengths

• Syrup

Side effects of Piriton Syrup

Common

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Tremors
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Impaired reactions

Serious

• Confusion
• Severe sedation
• Allergic reaction
• Palpitations
• Breathing difficulty
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Heart rhythm problems

Warnings and precautions

• Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you have kidney disease or liver disease. Be careful when drinking alcohol while using this medicine, as it can increase the effects of drinking. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision; do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure you are not affected.
• Do not use if you are allergic to chlorphenamine, any other antihistamines, or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
• This medicine contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before using this medicine.
• Avoid using this medicine if you have severe liver disease or a history of drug hypersensitivity, or if you have been advised to avoid antihistamines.
• This medicine can make you sleepy. Avoid driving, cycling, or operating machinery if affected.
• Some children may become restless or excitable instead of sleepy after taking this medicine.

Storage

• Keep tightly closed and store in a cool, dry place
• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date
• Keep away from sunlight
• Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat

When to see a doctor

If too much medicine is taken, seek urgent medical advice straight away. Taking too much can cause severe sleepiness, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, fits, or heart rhythm problems, so get medical help right away if this happens.

Alternatives

• Piriton Expectorant Linctus
• Piriton CS
• Cetirizine
• Loratadine