I have to keep Piriton in my house and handbag at all times. My son suffers from very bad ezcema and has been prescribed 2.5ml of this syrup every night, this does help him get to sleep but I find it lasts for about 4 hours then he will be up and itch for a short amount of sleep and after applying his creams he is normally back off to sleep.

Piriton has been around for a long time as an allergy sufferer I also keep the Piriton tablets in my handbag, it cost me roughly £2.

Piriton is a well known brand and I am guessing the leading chlorphenamine maleate based medicine. Also known as antihistamine, but I normally just say Piriton when required instead of stating these long words.

There are other brands that contain chlorphenamine maleate, my daughter has been precribed some. I am guessing they are cheaper alternatives, one thing I have noticed that the taste does not seem to be pleasant as Piriton as none of my kids have ever made a fuss when they have needed to take a dose of Piriton.

Piriton has various uses and is a medicine available over the counter. (No prescribtion required). It is mainly used for:

-Allergic contions such as hayfever, food allergies, nettle rash, reactions to insect bites or medicine.
-More serious allergic reaction causing swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue or throat (angioneurotic oedema)
-Chicken Pox related itching

As with all medicine of course read the leaflet to read all the information whether it is suitable, dosage, and side effects.

I have noticed it does cause drowsiness in myself, so it is stated not to drive or operate heavy machinery if taking this medicine. Also dizziness and blurred vision are other common side effects for this medicine but fortunately it has never happened to me.

It tastes pleasant but very much like a medicine, a bitter sweet taste, if that makes any sense. It has a minty aftertaste and is very bearable, I have never needed to eat a spoon of sugar after unlike other medicines. I do take the tablet form now if ever required. My son takes this syrup reguarly and he seems to like the taste and calls the medicine 'tic tak medicine', meaning he thinks it tastes like Tic Taks.

It is suitable for children older than one, but of course I would personally speak to a doctor or pharmist if such a young child required it.