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Antihistamine Piriton

Dr Roger Henderson
Reviewed by Roger HendersonReviewed on 29.04.2024 | 3 minutes read
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Piriton (which contains the medication chlorphenamine is a type of over-the-counter medicine known as a sedating antihistamine. It comes in both syrup and tablet form.

It is known as sedating as it can cause side effects of drowsiness, and there are other antihistamines that are non-drowsy such as loratadine, cetirizine, acrivastine, and fexofenadine. It is used to relieve the symptoms of allergies in a wide range of allergic conditions, including hay fever, insect bites, pet allergies, food allergies, contact dermatitis, and atopic eczema. Piriton is useful in relieving symptoms of itching, sneezing, runny nose, skin rash, and red/itchy/watery eyes.

Doctor’s advice

Who is Piriton for?

It is suitable for individuals who experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or skin rashes caused by allergies. It's often used for hay fever, allergic rhinitis, insect bites, and hives (urticaria). Piriton can also help with symptoms of colds, like sneezing and nasal congestion, but it's mainly intended for allergy relief.

However, it is not recommended for people who have certain conditions, such as severe liver problems or glaucoma. It should also be used with caution in the elderly or in people with asthma, as it may cause dryness of the throat, nose, or mouth.

Always check with a healthcare professional before taking Piriton, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.

This medication is used for anyone over the age of 1 year (in syrup form), suffering from allergies caused by pollen (hay fever), animals or food. In tablet form they can be taken from 6 years and above.

How does Piriton work?

During an allergic reaction, your immune system releases a chemical called histamine, which is responsible for the symptoms of an allergy. Antihistamines work by opposing the actions of histamine, by stopping histamine binding to its target sites in the body.

The chemical structure of drowsy antihistamines means they are able to enter the brain through what is known as the blood-brain barrier. This makes them more likely to cause drowsiness compared to other antihistamines. If you are needing to stay alert, such as for driving or performing skilled tasks, then another antihistamine may be a better choice.

Should anyone avoid taking it?

This medication should not be used by children under 1 year old unless under instruction by your doctor. Like all medications, don’t take them if you have previously had an allergic reaction to the medication, if you have severe kidney or liver problems, or if you have other medications or medical conditions where you would normally discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting something new.

Are there any side-effects to Piriton?

Yes, Piriton (chlorpheniramine) can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include:

  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth, throat, or nose
  • dizziness or headache
  • blurred vision
  • upset stomach

Less common but more serious side effects can include:

  • urinary retention
  • allergic reactions

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Dr Roger Henderson
Reviewed by Roger Henderson
Reviewed on 29.04.2024
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