Stop scratching and sneezing (Piriton)

Member Name: hypno06

Product:	Piriton
Date:	03/08/09 (99 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quick and effective treatment

Disadvantages: Can cause drowsiness which may be a problem from some.

Piriton in some form or other has been an integral part of our medicine cabinet for as long as I can remember.

Our daughter suffered severe eczema from the age of about 4 months, until she was finally treated with wet wraps at the age of 7. That period was one of intense itchiness for her, causing her distress, and sleepless nights as she scratched and bled.

From the age of 12 months, however, we were able to give her Piriton Syrup, which helped ease the itchiness, and helped her sleep a bit better at night. We were advised not to use it all the time, because like all medicines, it is not designed to be used on a daily basis permanently, but it certainly gave some much needed occasional relief.

The syrup was also a Godsend when both children came down with chickenpox. As any parent with spotty children will know, chickenpox is miserable, as the spots can present themselves in the most awkward of places - in the mouth, and around the nether regions, for example. The application of calamine lotion is not always easy, and as the child gets more itchy, they get more distressed, and no-one gets any peace or sleep. Piriton Syrup again gave that element of much needed relief that we all craved.

As the children got older, we moved away from the syrup, which was bulky to keep in a bag when we went out, and sometimes got sticky on the bottle, and started using the tablets. These are suitable for children from the age of 6.

Between the ages of 6 and 12 years, half a tablet at a time should be given up to a maximum of 6 halves per day.

For adults and children over the age of 12, 1 tablet should be taken, a maximum of 6 times a day.

The relief is provided very quickly, and therefore these are handy to have in your bag if you suffer from hayfever, heat rash or have reactions to certain foods. They are also a suitable treatment against insect stings, bites, and nettle rash, so don't head out on an outdoor picnic without some of these to hand.

I have a food allergy that causes itchiness. Whilst I generally try and put up with it (it is not life threatening, so I don't cut out the offending item completely from my diet), there are times when the general itchiness just becomes too much. Piriton is my great ally on these days, and has the benefit of helping me sleep too.

Piriton syrup and Piriton tablets may cause drowsiness, and in my experience that is one of the reasons that they provide such excellent relief, as it allows little ones to drift off at night without the distraction of their spots and scratchiness. YThese therefore come with the usual disclaimer of "don't drive or operate machinery if you are affected". Basically, use your common sense.

Piriton have now brought out an alternative treatment called Piriteze which is a one-a-day non-drowsy alternative. I haven't tried this so can't comment, but it is something I would consider in the future, especially for the relief of hayfever, where you don't want to be drowsy during the normal course of your day. This would be particularly useful for my daughter during her GCSE period, which is held during prime hayfever season.

As with all medicines, if in doubt, or if symptoms persist, please see your GP. If you have any queries about the effects of piriton, you can speak to your pharmacist who will be pleased to advise.

More information on Piriton and Piriteze can be found on www.piriton.co.uk

Summary: A definite one to add to your medicine cabinet.