Hay fever medication shortages: In early May, GlaxoSmithKline reported a shortage of chlorphenamine maleate, which is the active ingredient in some hay fever tablets including Piriton. Cetirizine is absorbed with small inter-individual variations. Cetirizine has not been given intravenously, therefore the bioavailability, clearance and volume of distribution (Vd) are unknown. Maximum plasma concentration is achieved within 1 hour and the terminal half-life is about 10 hours in adults and 6 hours in children between the age of 6-12 years. The grade of protein binding in plasma is about 93%. Most non-prescription antihistamines are the non-drowsy type (although some people do find they make them sleepy). The two main types are cetirizine (such as Piriteze) and loratadine (such as Clarityn). Acrivastine (such as Benadryl Allergy Relief) is a newer type of non-drowsy antihistamine that works faster.

Significant interactions between fluticasone propionate and potent inhibitors of the cytochrome P450 3A4 system, e.g. protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir, and cobicstat may occur. This may result in increased systemic exposure to fluticasone propionate. These tablets contain the active ingredient cetirizine hydrochloride which belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines that help relieve allergy and skin rash symptoms. Similar to Piriton Allergy tablets, Piriteze is often used to relieve hay fever and other allergy symptoms. Piriteze Allergy Tablets: Directions of use: Co-treatment with CYP3A inhibitors, including cobicistat-containing products, is expected to increase the risk of systemic side-effects. The combination should be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the increased risk of systemic corticosteroid side-effects, in which case patients should be monitored for systemic corticosteroid side-effects. Adults and children aged 6 years and over can take two 5ml spoonfuls once daily, or one 5ml spoonful morning and evening. The product is not recommended and should not be used for children under 6 years of age. Before using this medicine and warnings: Instances of abnormal hepatic function with elevated hepatic enzymes accompanied by elevated bilirubin have been reported. Mostly this resolves upon discontinuation of the treatment with cetirizine hydrochloride.In a six-week, placebo-controlled study of 186 patients with allergic rhinitis and concomitant mild to moderate asthma, cetirizine 10 mg once daily improved rhinitis symptoms and did not alter pulmonary function. This study supports the safety of administering cetirizine to allergic patients with mild to moderate asthma.

Absorption: Following intranasal dosing of fluticasone propionate, (200 micrograms/day) steady-state maximum plasma concentrations were not quantifiable in most subjects (<0.01ng/mL). The highest C max observed was 0.017ng/mL. Direct absorption in the nose is negligible due to the low aqueous solubility with the majority of the dose being eventually swallowed. When administered orally the systemic exposure is <1% due to poor absorption and pre-systemic metabolism. The total systemic absorption arising from both nasal and oral absorption of the swallowed dose is therefore negligible. Children aged 1-2 years: Give one small 2.5ml spoonful twice daily. Maximum Daily Dose: 2 small 2.5ml spoonfuls (5ml) Consult your doctor if you have the following side effects: headache, dizziness, agitation, dry mouth, drowsiness, stomach or intestinal discomfort. These are all temporary, mild side effects of the medicine One key difference between piriton and piriteze allergy tablets are their active ingredients. Though both are part of the drug group known as antihistamines, they are different drugs. Piriton has the active ingredient chlorphenaminewhile Piriteze contains the active ingredient cetirizine hydrochloride.Children aged 6 and over can take cetirizine tablets and liquid that you buy from pharmacies and supermarkets.

Treatment with higher than recommended doses of nasal corticosteroids may result in clinically significant adrenal suppression. If there is evidence of higher than recommended doses being used then additional systemic corticosteroid cover should be considered during periods of stress or elective surgery. If you're buying from an online pharmacy, make sure that it's registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and follow their tips for buying medicines safely online . Saline nasal sprays are also becoming popular, too. These sprays don’t contain any chemicals at all, just sterile saline solution to “wash” pollen and other allergens out of the nasal cavity. You can use them as much as you like, unlike chemical spray.Hay Fever is not caused by a virus, but instead is an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollen is a powder that comes from plants and can be more prominent in the air during certain months of the year such as late March and September. Hay Fever Symptoms Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis/anaphylactic reactions, bronchospasm, skin rash, oedema of the face or tongue Or you may need to take it regularly to prevent symptoms – for example, to stop hay fever during spring and summer. What if I forget to take it?

Although fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray will control seasonal allergic rhinitis in most cases, an abnormally heavy challenge of summer allergens may in certain instances necessitate appropriate additional therapy.If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible. Fluticasone nasal spray and drops and fertility