Allergy: Overview

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Allergy

Allergies are the body’s natural reaction in response to certain allergens such as pollen or pet dander.1-4 This immune response results in the release of multiple inflammatory mediators that are responsible for allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.5

In addition to recommendations associated with allergen avoidance, antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids are a main recommendation for management of symptoms of allergic rhinitis.6 This includes pollen allergies, house dust mite allergies and confirmed animal allergy.6

Regular intranasal corticosteroids are recommended if the person has moderate-to-severe symptoms, or initial drug treatment is ineffective.6 They have been shown to be superior to oral antihistamines alone and act on nasal congestion.7

Allergic rhinitis can significantly impact daily activities8

  • Woman unwell under blanket

    42% of allergy sufferers have struggled to sleep as a result of their allergy9

  • Woman inhaling steam

    A pooled analysis of Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire studies found an estimated 3.6% missed work time due to allergic rhinitis and 35.9% had impairment in at-work performance.10

  • Product information – Pirinase Allergy

    Pirinase Allergy 0.05% Nasal Spray (fluticasone propionate). Uses: Prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Dosage and method of use: Adults: Two sprays into each nostril once or twice a day if required. Maintenance: one spray per nostril once a day if possible. Use lowest possible maintenance dose. Max 4 sprays a day in each nostril. Children under 18 years: Not to be used. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ingredients. Precautions: Seek medical advice if: improvement is not seen within 7 days, relief is inadequate after 7 days, or more than 3 months continuous use is required. Seek medical advice before use with: other corticosteroid products, fever, nasal/sinus infection, recent nasal injury/surgery, nasal ulceration. Caution due to interactions with cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may increase systemic exposure to fluticasone. Caution commencing in those withdrawing from systemic steroids, particularly if impairment of adrenal function suspected. Systemic effects of nasal corticosteroids may occur, particularly at high doses prescribed for prolonged periods. May cause visual disturbance. Contains benzalkonium chloride which may cause bronchospasm. Side effects: Very Common: epistaxis. Common: Dryness and irritation of the nose and throat, unpleasant taste and smell, headache. See SPC for full details. Legal category: P. PL number: PL 44673/0099. Product licence holder: Haleon UK Trading Limited, The Heights, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0NY, UK. Package quantity and MRSP (excl. VAT): 60 sprays £7.24; 120 sprays £11.66. Date of last revision: April 2023.

  • Product information – Piriton Syrup and Piriton Allergy Tablets

    Piriton Children’s Allergy Syrup and Piriton Allergy Tablets (chlorphenamine maleate) Indications: Symptomatic relief of allergic conditions including hay fever. Symptomatic relief of itch associated with chickenpox. Dosage and method of use: Adults and children 12 years and over: 4 mg 4-6 hourly. Max 24 mg/24h. Elderly: Lower dose should be considered. Children 6-12 years: 2 mg 4-6 hourly. Max 12 mg/24h. Piriton Allergy Tablets not recommended for children under 6 years. Do not use either product continuously for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor. Syrup only: Children 2-6 years: 2.5 ml (1 mg) 4-6 hourly. Max 6 mg/24h. Children 1-2 years: 2.5 ml (1 mg), twice daily. Max 2 mg/24h. Not recommended for children below 1 year. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity. Treatment with MAOIs within last 14 days. Warnings and Precautions: Avoid concurrent use with other antihistamines and alcohol. May seriously affect ability to drive and use machinery. Caution in enlarged prostate, severe hypertension, cardiovascular disease or respiratory conditions, hepatic or renal impairment, epilepsy, raised intraocular pressure, bronchitis, bronchiectasis and asthma. Avoid use in elderly patients with confusion. Avoid concurrent use with drugs which cause sedation. Those with fructose or galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrose-isomaltase insufficiency should not take these medicines. Syrup: Contains sucrose, hydroxybenzoates (E218, E214, E216) which may cause allergic reactions, and ethanol (6.3% v/v). Side effects: Sedation, somnolence, fatigue, disturbance in attention, abnormal coordination, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, nausea, dry mouth, allergic disorders including anaphylaxis. Children and the elderly are more prone to the neurological anticholinergic effects and rarely may become confused or excitable. See SPC for full details. Legal category: P. PL numbers: Syrup: PL 44673/0094. Tablets: PL 44673/0093. Product licence holder: Haleon UK Trading Limited, The Heights, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0NY, UK. Package quantity and RSP (excl. VAT): Syrup: 150 ml £5.42. Tablets: 30s £4.58, 60s £7.92. Date of last revision: January 2024.

  • Product Information – Piriteze

    Piriteze Hayfever & Allergy 10mg Film Coated Tablets, Piriteze Children's Hayfever & Allergy 1mg/ml Syrup (GSL)and Piriteze Children's Hayfever & Allergy 1mg/ml Syrup (P) (cetirizine hydrochloride). Indication: Symptomatic treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Dosage and method of use: Adults and adolescents over 12 years: 10 mg daily. Children 6-12 years: 5 mg twice daily. Elderly: As adults if renal function normal. Allergy Tablets and Syrup: Children under 6 years: Not recommended. P-line Syrup only: Children 2 to 6 years: 2.5mg twice daily. Children under 2 years: Not recommended. Adjust dose in moderate to severe renal impairment. See SPC for details. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ingredients, hydroxyzine, piperazine derivatives or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min). Warnings and Precautions: Concomitant alcohol. Predisposition factors of urinary retention (e.g. spinal cord lesion, prostatic hyperplasia). Epilepsy/risk of convulsions. Pruritus and/or urticaria may occur when cetirizine stopped, may require treatment to be restarted. Tablets: Not suitable for those with galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption. Syrup: Not to be taken by those with fructose intolerance. Contains methyl and propyl parahydroxybenzoate which may cause allergic reactions. Side effects: See SPC for full details. Dizziness, headache, fatigue, somnolence, dry mouth, sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, rhinitis, allergic disorders including anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity, suicidal ideation, depression, nightmares, inflammation of the liver, skin eruptions, joint pain. Legal category: GSL: Syrup (6years+) and Tablets: 70ml/ 7, 14, 30 P: Syrup (2years+): 70ml. PL numbers: Tablets: PL 44673/0097. Syrup (GSL): PL 44673/0095. Syrup (P): PL 44673/0096. Product licence holder: Haleon UK Trading Limited, The Heights, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0NY, United Kingdom Package quantity and RSP (excl. VAT): Tablets: 7s £3.73, 14s £6.66, 30s £9.16. Syrup (GSL): 70 ml £5.41. Syrup (P): 70ml £5.41 Date of last revision: Aug 2023.

  • Product Information - Pirinase Hayfever

    Pirinase Hayfever Once Daily 0.05% Nasal Spray (fluticasone propionate). Indications: Treatment of allergic rhinitis. Dosage and method of use: Adults: Two sprays into each nostril once a day, preferably in the morning. Maintenance: one spray per nostril once a day, if symptoms recur the dosage may be increased accordingly. Use lowest possible maintenance dose. Max 2 sprays a day in each nostril. Children under 18 years: Not to be used. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ingredients. Concomitant use with HIV medicines. Warnings & Precautions: Seek medical advice if inadequate relief after 7 days or require more than 1-month continuous use. Seek medical advice before use with: corticosteroid use, nasal/sinus infection, recent nasal injury/surgery, nasal ulceration. Caution due to interactions with potent cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors which may increase systemic exposure to fluticasone. Treatment with higher than recommended doses of nasal corticosteroids may result in clinically significant adrenal suppression. Systemic effects of nasal corticosteroids may occur, particularly at high doses prescribed for prolonged periods. May cause visual disturbance. Contains benzalkonium chloride which may cause bronchospasm. Side effects: Dryness and irritation of the nose and throat, nasal ulcers, nasal septal perforation, unpleasant taste and smell, headache and epistaxis. Hypersensitivity reactions including skin rash and oedema of the face or tongue. Eye disorders such as glaucoma, raised intraocular pressure, cataract and blurred vision. Anaphylaxis/ anaphylactic reactions and bronchospasm. Legal category: GSL. Product licence number: PL 44673/0100. MAH: Haleon UK Trading Limited, The Heights, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0NY, UK. RRP (excl. VAT): 60 sprays £7.92. Text prepared: April 2023.

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Pirinase Allergy 0.05% Nasal Spray (fluticasone propionate)

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