Member
Sorry everyone its late and I want to go to bed but I have a niggling question going round in my mind the rpsgb site didn't help answer... Piriton - can we still recommend to 1 yr and over for hayfever/chicken pox or does it fall in the banned gp like all the cough and cold meds?
Frequent Poster
From the NPA:
"Sale of cough and cold preparations for children under 6 years – clarification on Piriton syrup
24 March 2009
The NPA have received a number of calls from member who are concerned about the sale of Piriton syrup for use in children under the age of 6 years.
The recent Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidance restricts the use of cough and cold remedies in young children containing certain ingredients (see member news story posted 2 March 2009 “MHRA advice on cough and cold medicines in children under the age of 6”).
Piriton syrup contains chlorphenamine which appears on the list, however as it is indicated for allergic conditions and not for cough or colds the restrictions do not apply. It can still be sold for use in children aged 1 year and over for licensed indications.
For further information visit the MHRA website by clicking here.
If you need further information about this topic, contact the NPA Information Department on 01727 891 800 or e-mail information@npa.co.uk."
Member
Well that clears that up! Thanks!
Tai Chi Enhanced Member
Not for me! is it dangerous, or isn't it?Originally Posted by pharmunsure
....just my opinion
King Amongst Members
If it was "dangerous" they would have to withdraw the packaging and change it. I think it is more "advisory" than anything, due to miniscule risk etc.
Moderator
We have used all these items without any harm that I know of and hard to tell frantic parent on a Saturday/Sunday/BHM. Sorry. we are not allowed to sell you this item.
johnep
Thousand Plus Poster !!!
No, it's not dangerous.......it's just not the most appropriate treatment for a cold! It is useful for other conditions though, even in very young children.Not for me! is it dangerous, or isn't it?
Bobbin
It's a medicine - all medicines have the potential to be dangerous if used incorrectly. That's why we have pharmacists.Not for me! is it dangerous, or isn't it?
It's risk versus benefit.
The benefit of an antihistamine for a childs cough is unproven.
The benefits of antihistamines for the same child with an allergic reaction are proven.
The risk remains the same.
The risk is deemed unnecessary for the minimal benefits for treating a cough or cold, but acceptable as a proven treatment for allergy.
Jeff
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