Chlorpheniramine (Piriton) belongs to a group of drugs known as sedating antihistamine that reduces the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Chlorpheniramine (Piriton) Uses:
Chlorpheniramine (Piriton) is used for the symptomatic relief of allergies such as
- Hay fever,
- Urticaria,
- Food Allergy,
- Drug Reactions,
- A runny nose,
- Sneezing, itching,
- Watery eyes caused by allergies,
- Colds or flu,
- Emergency Treatment Of Anaphylactic Reactions.
Chlorpheniramine (Piriton) Mechanism Of Action
- Piriton products contain the active ingredient chlorphenamine maleate, a type of medicine called the calming antihistamine. It works by avoiding the effects of histamine, a substance that is produced by the body when it reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen or the coat of pets (an allergen).
- Histamine causes a chain reaction that causes allergic symptoms. In allergies such as hay fever and pet allergies, histamine causes inflammation of the nose, eyes, or respiratory tract, resulting in itchy eyes, watery nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing. In allergic skin reactions, histamine causes dermatitis, rashes, and itching.
- Chlorphenamine blocks the histamine receptors and therefore stops the chain reaction that causes the symptoms of the allergy. It usually begins to relieve symptoms within half an hour to an hour after taking a dose.
- Chlorphenamine is referred to as a sedative antihistamine because it enters the brain in significant amounts and causes drowsiness.
- The antihistamine action and the fact that it causes drowsiness makes chlorpheniramine also useful in relieving the itching caused by chickenpox. It can be especially useful for itching, which gets worse at night. This is often the case in children who notice less itching during the day when they are active, but it bothers them at night when they are quiet and have nothing left to concentrate on.
Piriton Side effects
Chlorphenamine (Piriton) Can cause Some Side effects along with their useful effects which are:
- Drowsiness,
- Dizziness,
- A headache,
- Constipation,
- Upset stomach,
- Blurred vision,
- Decreased coordination or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur.
These effects may decrease as your body adapts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Piriton In Pregnancy:
Most manufacturers advise avoiding the use of Piriiton In Pregnancy, However, There is no evidence of teratogenicity. But Using Piriton in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy may cause adverse effects in neonates such as irritability, tremor, and paradoxical excitability.
Dosage:
- Adults and children over 12 years: 1 tablet for 4 to 6 hours. Maximum daily dose: 6 tablets (24 mg) in 24 hours
- Elderly: Older people have more frequent neurological anticholinergic effects. The use of a lower daily dose (eg maximum of 12 mg in 24 hours) should be considered.
- Children from 6 to 12 years: ½ tablet from 4 to 6 hours. Maximum daily dose: 3 tablets (12 mg) in 24 hours
- Not recommended for children under 6 years.
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