What Is Piriton Syrup?

Piriton Syrup is colourless syrup. Each 5 ml of syrup contains 2 mg of chlorphenamine maleate as the active ingredient. The syrup also contains sucrose, glycerol, ethanol, tingle flavour, peppermint oil, water and, as preservative, a mixture of methyl, ethyl and propyl hydroxybenzoates (E218, E214 and E216). Each bottle contains 150 ml of syrup.

What Does It Do?

The syrup contains the active ingredient chlorphenamine maleate. Chlorphenamine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines which help relieve the symptoms of some allergies and itchy skin rashes.

The syrup is used to treat the allergic symptoms (runny and itchy nose, with or without stuffiness) caused by hayfever and other allergies e.g. pet and house dust mite allergies. It relieves the itchiness, redness, swelling, tenderness and irritation associated with many allergic skin problems.

You can take the syrup for things like:
• hayfever and other allergies e.g. pet, house dust mite and mould spore allergies
• nettle rash and hives
• skin allergies and dermatitis
• prickly heat and heat rash
• allergic reactions to food, food additives or medicines
• insect bites and stings
• the itchy rash of chickenpox

Many children find syrup formulations easier to take than tablets.

How To Use

Do not take the syrup if you:
• Are allergic to antihistamines or to any of the ingredients listed above.
• Have taken drugs for depression called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within the last 14 days.

Please see your doctor before you take the syrup if you:
• Have epilepsy, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, an overactive thyroid, very high blood pressure, or heart, liver or chest disease.
• Are taking medicines to treat anxiety or to help you sleep.
• Are taking any medicine containing phenytoin for epilepsy.

Taking the medicine with food and drink:
• As with other antihistamines the effects of alcohol may be increased.

Pregnancy and breast feeding:
• Medicines should not be used during pregnancy, or breast feeding, without seeking advice from a doctor.

Driving and using machines:
• If the syrup makes you feel drowsy, do not drive or operate machinery.

Important information about some of the ingredients of the syrup:
• The syrup contains sucrose. Diabetics should take care when using the syrup. Long term use of the syrup could increase the risk of tooth decay, so clean your teeth regularly. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking the syrup.

• The product contains 6.3% v/v ethanol (alcohol), i.e. up to 515 mg per adult dose, equivalent to 13 ml beer, 6 ml wine per dose. Harmful for those suffering from alcoholism. To be taken into account in pregnant and breast feeding women, children and high-risk groups such as patients with liver disease or epilepsy.

• Methyl, ethyl and propyl hydroxybenzoates (E218, E214 and E216) may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

Dose

Use the two-headed spoon provided with the syrup.

Children aged 1-2 years:
1 x 2.5 ml. Maximum daily dose: 2 x 2.5 ml spoonfuls in 24 hours.
Children aged 2-6 years:
1 x 2.5 ml every 4-6 hours. Maximum daily dose: 6 x 2.5 ml spoonfuls in 24 hours.
Children aged 6-12 years:
1 x 5 ml every 4-6 hours. Maximum daily dose: 6 x 5 ml spoonfuls in 24 hours.
Adults and children aged over 12:
2 x 5 ml every 4-6 hours. Maximum daily dose: 12 x 5 ml spoonfuls in 24 hours.
Children under 12 months:
Not recommended.

If symptoms persist consult your doctor.

If you take more syrup than you should:
If you (or someone else) swallow more than the recommended dose, or if you think a child has accidentally swallowed more than the recommended dose, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or your doctor immediately. Do not drive if it is you that has taken too much. Take the syrup with you so that the doctor can see what has been taken.

If you forget to take the syrup:
If you forget to take the syrup, take a dose as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time to take the next one. Never take two doses together. Take the remaining doses at the correct time.

Possible Side Effects

Most people taking the syrup find it causes them no problems. Children and the elderly are more prone to side effects. The most common side effect is drowsiness. This drowsiness can be helpful if symptoms are particularly troublesome at night.

Occasionally some people may have difficulty concentrating; blurred vision; loss of appetite, indigestion or upset stomach, feeling or being sick; diarrhoea, tummy pain; liver inflammation (which may make you feel weak, sick and turn yellow); difficulty in passing water; headaches; dry mouth; dizziness, palpitations (feeling your heart beat), fast or irregular heart beat, low blood pressure (you may feel faint), chest tightness; thickening of phlegm; blood disorders (anaemia); allergic reactions including itchy rash, skin peeling, and sensitivity to the sun; twitching, muscular weakness and inco-ordination; ringing in the ears; depression (low mood); irritability or nightmares; children may become excited and the elderly may become very confused. If you are concerned about these effects, or if the syrup affects you in any other way, stop taking it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Any Other Questions

Is Piriton Syrup only for use by small children?
Piriton Syrup is intended for use in children over the age of one year. However, older children and even adults who prefer liquid medicines to tablets can use Piriton Syrup.

If you would like to find out more about any of these products please contact our customer care team who will be happy to answer any questions.