Piriton Allergy Tablets contain 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.

You can take the tablets 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
• Reactions to food, food additives or medicines
• Insect bites and stings
• The itchy rash of chickenpox

For details of other Piriton products see the Piriton main page.

Piriton is also available as:

• Piriton Allergy (60 Tablets)  
• Piriton Syrup (150ml)

How to take Piriton Allergy Tablets
For oral use

Adults (including the elderly) and children aged 12 years and over:

• Take one tablet every 4 to 6 hours
• Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours

Children aged 6 to 12 years:

• Give ½ tablet every 4 to 6 hours
• Do not give more than 6 half tablets in 24 hours

Do not give to children under 6 years of age

• If symptoms persist consult your doctor

If you (or someone else) swallow a lot of Piriton Allergy Tablets all together, or if you think a child has accidentally swallowed any of the tablets, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or your doctor immediately. Do not drive if it is you who has taken too many tablets. Take the tablets with you so that the doctor can see what has been taken.

If you forget to take Piriton Allergy Tablets take a dose as soon as you remember, unless it nearly time to take the next one.

• Never take two doses together
• Take the remaining doses at the correct time

Each Piriton Allergy Tablets contains the active ingredient: Chlorphenamine maleate 4mg.

Piriton Allergy Tablets also contain: Lactose, maize starch, yellow iron oxide (E172), magnesium stearate and water.

Check before you take Piriton Allergy Tablets:

Do not take Piriton Allergy Tablets if you:

• Are allergic to antihistamines or to any of the other ingredients
• Have taken drugs for depression called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days

Please see your doctor before you take Piriton Allergy Tablets if you:

• Have epilepsy, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, an overactive thyroid, very high blood pressure, or heart, liver or lung disease
• Are taking drugs to treat anxiety or to help you sleep
• Are taking any medicine containing phenytoin for epilepsy

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

Pregnancy and breast feeding: Consult your doctor before taking Piriton Allergy Tablets if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Driving and using machines: Piriton Allergy Tablets may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision and loss of co-ordination. If you experience any of these effects do not drive or operate machinery.

Important: Piriton Allergy Tablets contain lactose if you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking.

Side-effects: Most people Piriton Allergy Tablets find they cause 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 tablets affect you in any other way, stop taking them and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.