1. Will Piriton tablets make me sleepy?
Yes, drowsiness is common. Avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.
What are Piriton Allergy Tablets?
Piriton Allergy Tablets contain chlorphenamine maleate, an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms by blocking histamine, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction.
This medication can help with:
- Hay fever and other allergies (pets, dust mites, mould)
- Hives, nettle rash, and itchy skin rashes
- Skin allergies and dermatitis
- Prickly heat and heat rash
- Mild reactions to foods, additives, or medicines
- Insect bites and stings
- Chickenpox itch (helps with itching, but does not treat the infection)
Active ingredient: Chlorphenamine maleate
Who can take Piriton?
- Adults
- Children aged 6 years and over
Piriton is not recommended for those who are:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Elderly
- Already taking medicines that cause sedation or drowsiness
How to take Piriton
Swallow the tablets whole with water. Piriton is safe to have with or without food.
Typical use:
Adults and children aged 12 years old and over:
1 tablet (4mg) every 4–6 hours as needed
Children 6–12 years old:
6 half tablets in 24 hours
The elderly:
Ask a pharmacist or doctor first, as you may need to take a lower dose.
If you miss a dose
Piriton is usually taken only when needed. If you forget a dose, take it when you remember, leaving at least 4–6 hours between doses. Do not double up.
If you take too much
Seek urgent medical advice. Too much can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, fits, or a fast/irregular heartbeat.
How to store Piriton
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Keep in the original packaging
- Keep out of sight and reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date
Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness, headache, difficulty concentrating
- Dry mouth, feeling sick
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness
Important information:
- Avoid alcohol, as it can worsen drowsiness.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy or dizzy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
2. How quickly do Piriton tablets work and how long do they last?
They often start working within about 1–2 hours and usually last 4–6 hours.
3. Can I take Piriton with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
Yes, it can usually be taken with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
4. Can I take Piriton with other medicines that make you sleepy?
Be cautious. Combining with sedating medicines can increase drowsiness. Ask a pharmacist if you take sleeping tablets, strong painkillers, or anxiety medicines.
5. Can children take Piriton for chickenpox itching?
Piriton is sometimes used to help itching in children aged 6+, but always follow the dose guidance and consider soothing measures too.
Our Clinical Authors
Written by
Omar El-Gohary
CEO & Superintendent Pharmacist | GPhC Registration: 2059792
Medically reviewed by
Jabbar Ali
MPharm Clinical Lead | GPhC Registration: 2205490
This page has been written by a registered UK pharmacist and reviewed by our clinical team to ensure it is accurate, clear and reflects current clinical guidance.
Last medically reviewed: 20 August 2026
Last updated: 21 August 2026