Have you or a young child in your home experienced symptoms of an allergy, such as sneezing, runny nose, red and itchy eyes, or skin rashes? Today we are going to talk about Chlorpheniramine syrup, known to many as 'Piriton', which we often get when we go to see a doctor. Although this is a very useful medicine, it is very important to know exactly how to use it, what it can do, and the things we need to be careful about.
Simply put, what is Chlorpheniramine?
Chlorpheniramine is a drug that belongs to the group of drugs called 'Antihistamine'. Now you may be wondering, "What is this histamine?" Imagine that something that we are allergic to, for example, dust, pollen, or some food, enters our body. Then the 'defense soldiers' of our body's immune system start to fight against this foreign invader. In this fight, a chemical called 'Histamine' is released from those cells.
Histamine is responsible for many of the allergic symptoms we experience, such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and red eyes. So, what this Chlorpheniramine medicine does is block the action of that histamine and control the allergic symptoms. Simply put, the main function of this medicine is to reduce the annoying symptoms caused by histamine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before taking any medication, it is important to tell your doctor about your medical history. What works for one person may not work for another. Before taking Chlorpheniramine, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your health condition | Why is it important to raise awareness about it? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure in the eye increases. | This medication may further increase eye pressure. |
| Heart disease or high blood pressure. | This medicine can affect heart rate and blood pressure. |
| Lung or respiratory diseases such as asthma . | This can thicken the secretions in the respiratory tract and increase breathing difficulties. |
| Pain or discomfort during urination, prostate problems. | This medication can make urination more difficult. |
| Stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems. | This may not be suitable for some gastrointestinal problems. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. | This medicine should be avoided during pregnancy without medical advice. |
| If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child. | Medical advice is essential as this medication can be passed to the baby through breast milk. |
| If you have allergies to chlorpheniramine or other medications, foods, or dyes. | There is a risk that you may also be allergic to this medicine. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
It is very important to take the correct dosage, at the correct time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Shake well before use: This is a suspension, meaning the medicine particles float in the liquid. So, shake the bottle well before use to mix the medicine with the liquid.
- Use the correct measure: Use only the special cap, oral syringe, or dropper that comes with the medicine. Do not use regular teaspoons or tablespoons that you have in your kitchen. They cannot measure the exact dose. If you do, you may either under- or over-dose.
- When given to children: In some cases, doctors prescribe this medicine even for children as young as 2 years old. However, never give this medicine to young children without a doctor's advice. Since the dosage varies depending on the child's weight and age, the dosage should be given exactly as the doctor recommends.
- People over 65 years of age: Older people may feel the effects of this medicine more strongly, so they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
Warning: What if the dosage of the medicine is increased? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, or if a child has accidentally taken it, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or definitely go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
Chlorpheniramine is a drug that can interact with some other medications and substances. Therefore, if you are taking other medications, it is essential to tell your doctor about them.
- Alcohol
- Barbiturate-type drugs used for sleep or seizures
- Some medications for depression (MAOIs)
- Medications taken for other allergies
- Medications for conditions such as stress and anxiety
- Other sleeping medications
- Some antibiotics
This list is not complete. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking medication
Pay attention to changes in your body while taking this medicine.
Dry mouth and eye discomfort
This is a common condition that many people experience when taking this medication. If you feel like your mouth is dry, chewing sugarless gum, sucking on a candy bar, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience dry eye discomfort. You can use lubricating drops for this. If this discomfort persists, tell your doctor.
Drowsiness and decreased attention
This is very important! Chlorpheniramine can make you feel very sleepy. It can also affect your coordination, reaction time, and decision-making ability. Therefore, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Also, to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, stand up straight when getting up from a sitting position or bed. Taking this medicine with alcohol can increase these side effects.
Sun sensitivity
Some people's skin may be more sensitive to the sun while taking this medication. So stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin, wear sunglasses, and use a good sunscreen.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like all medicines, Chlorpheniramine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| If these symptoms occur, see a doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| An overall allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Vision problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, and loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability or difficulty urinating. |
| Tell your doctor if these symptoms persist or are bothersome. | |
| Common side effects | Severe drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, confusion . |
How should I store the medicine?
Store the medicine bottle at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep the lid tightly closed. Especially keep it out of reach of small children and pets. Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Chlorpheniramine (Piriton) is an antihistamine that is used to control allergy symptoms.
- This medicine can cause severe drowsiness . Therefore, do not drive or do anything that requires attention after taking this medicine.
- Always use the correct measuring device that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use kitchen spoons.
- If you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you experience serious allergic symptoms or vision problems after taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- Always take the dose and time prescribed by your doctor. Never use other people's medications.
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