Original Piriton syrup 100ml

What Is ORIGINAL PIRITON SYRUP?

Original Piriton Syrup contains Chlorphenamine Maleate, one of the most trusted and long-established first-generation antihistamines in the world.

It works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, the sites on cells that histamine binds to when an allergic reaction is triggered. By blocking these receptors, Chlorphenamine stops histamine from causing the sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, skin rashes, and itching that characterise allergic reactions.

As a first-generation antihistamine, Chlorphenamine Maleate also crosses into the brain, which is why it causes drowsiness, a side effect that can actually be useful at night or in situations where itching is preventing sleep.

What Is It Used For?

Piriton Syrup is a household medicine used throughout Kenya for a wide range of allergic symptoms. It provides relief from hay fever (pollen allergy), allergic rhinitis (runny nose and sneezing from various allergens), hives (urticaria, itchy raised skin welts), allergic skin rashes from food, medicines, or contact allergens, itching from insect bites and stings, chickenpox itch, and allergic symptoms accompanying the common cold.

The syrup formulation is particularly useful for children and for adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets.

The familiar Piriton name and GSK-quality assurance make Original Piriton Syrup a trusted choice for families managing everyday allergic conditions.

Adults and Children over 12

5–10ml (2–4mg) every 4–6 hours. Maximum 40mg (100ml) in 24 hours.

Children 6–12 years

5ml (2mg) every 4–6 hours. Maximum 20mg (50ml) in 24 hours.

Children 2–6 years

2.5ml (1mg) every 4–6 hours. Maximum 6mg in 24 hours.

Under 2 years

Not recommended without medical advice. Consult a doctor before giving to infants.

With or Without Food

Can be taken with or without food. If nausea occurs, take with food.

Measuring

Use the measuring cup or spoon provided, household teaspoons vary in size and may not be accurate.

Common Side Effects

·       Drowsiness (very common, can be useful at night but impairs driving and concentration during the day)

·       Dry mouth

·       Thickening of respiratory secretions

·       Dizziness

·       Difficulty urinating (especially in elderly men)

Uncommon Side Effects

·       Blurred vision

·       Headache

·       Nausea

·       Paradoxical excitement in children (hyperactivity rather than sedation, especially in young children)

·       Constipation

Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

·       Severe allergic reaction to chlorphenamine (rare, seek emergency care)

·       Anticholinergic crisis in overdose (especially in children, seek emergency care immediately)

·       DROWSINESS: Piriton causes significant drowsiness, do not drive or operate machinery after taking it.

·       CHILDREN: Paradoxical excitability (hyperactivity instead of drowsiness) can occur in young children, monitor after first dose.

·       OVERDOSE RISK IN CHILDREN: Antihistamine overdose in young children is a medical emergency, store out of reach and measure doses accurately.

·       ELDERLY: Higher risk of urinary retention, confusion, and falls, use the lowest effective dose.

·       ALCOHOL: Avoid alcohol, dramatically worsens sedation.

·       ASTHMA: Not recommended during acute asthma, may worsen breathing by thickening secretions.

Alcohol: Dramatically increases sedation, avoid completely.

CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, opioids, sedatives): Additive sedation, use with caution.

MAO inhibitors: CONTRAINDICATED, wait at least 14 days after stopping MAOIs.

Anticholinergic drugs (bladder relaxants, some antidepressants): Additive anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation).

Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline): Additive sedation and anticholinergic effects.

·       Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.

·       Keep away from direct sunlight.

·       Keep the bottle tightly closed after use.

·       Keep out of reach of children.

·       Do not use after the expiry date.

Original Piriton Syrup is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine available at Pharmily without a prescription. It is suitable for adults and children over 2 years for common allergic symptoms. For children under 2 and patients with complex medical conditions, a pharmacist's or doctor's advice is recommended.

Original Piriton Syrup (Chlorphenamine 2mg/5ml) is a first-generation H1 antihistamine, the GSK original brand is preferred by many Kenyan consumers for reliability. The primary counselling points are: sedation (do not drive), alcohol avoidance, accurate paediatric dosing, and the risk of paradoxical excitation in young children.

For elderly patients, screen for glaucoma, BPH/urinary symptoms, and concurrent anticholinergic medications before recommending. The MAOI interaction is absolute, check for patients on phenelzine, tranylcypromine, or similar agents.

If daytime sedation is a concern, recommend a non-sedating second-generation antihistamine (cetirizine, loratadine) for daytime use and reserve Piriton for night-time itch management. Antihistamine overdose in children is a paediatric emergency, always counsel on safe storage and accurate measurement.

Q1: What is Original Piriton Syrup used for?

A: Piriton Syrup is used to relieve allergic symptoms including hay fever, itchy skin rashes, hives, insect bites, and allergic reactions causing sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. It is suitable for adults and children.

Q2: Why does Piriton make you sleepy?

A: Chlorphenamine in Piriton is a first-generation antihistamine that crosses into the brain, causing drowsiness as a side effect. This can actually be helpful at night, but means you should not drive or do anything requiring concentration after taking it.

Q3: What is the correct Piriton dose for my child?

A: Children aged 6–12: 5ml (2mg) every 4–6 hours. Children aged 2–6: 2.5ml (1mg) every 4–6 hours. Children under 2: consult a doctor before giving. Always use the measuring device provided, not a kitchen spoon.

Q4: Can I take Piriton for a cold?

A: Piriton can help with runny nose and sneezing related to the cold, but it does not treat the cold virus. It thickens respiratory secretions, so if you have a productive cough or breathing difficulties, discuss with a pharmacist first.

Q5: Can I drive after taking Piriton?

A: No, Piriton causes significant drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything requiring full alertness after taking Piriton. If daytime use without sedation is needed, ask your pharmacist about a non-drowsy antihistamine option.

Q6: Is Original Piriton Syrup safe for babies?

A: Piriton Syrup is not recommended for infants under 2 years without medical advice. For children under 2 with allergic symptoms, consult a doctor or pharmacist for an appropriate recommendation.