Allergy: Overview

Watery eyes

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,5-7 nasal congestion,8, 9 and itchy eyes.10-13

Though oral antihistamines are often the first-line treatment, they may be inadequate in certain cases,14 with patients continuing to experience irritating and uncomfortable allergy symptoms for as long as they are exposed to the allergen.15 This can lead to sufferers feeling frustrated, irritable, restless, or embarrassed by their symptoms.16

Allergic rhinitis can significantly impact daily activities16

  • Woman unwell under blanket

    Over half of allergy sufferers report sleep disturbances due to their allergy symptoms.17

  • Woman inhaling steam

    Nasal allergies can cause a 29% decrease in productivity18 with 3.5 million work days lost every year.17

Product Information

  • Piriton Product Information (For Pharmacists only)

    Product Information: Piriton 4mg Tablets (Chlorphenamine maleate).

    Indications: Treatment of acute allergic reactions. Dosage and method of administration: Minimum dosing interval 4 hours. Adults and children 12 years and over: 1 tablet every 4 - 6 hours (maximum of 6 tablets in 24 hours). The elderly: 1 tablet every 4 - 6 hours (maximum of 3 tablets in 24 hours). Children 6 - 12 years: 0.1mg/kg or ½ a tablet every 4 - 6 hours (maximum of 6 half tablets in 24 hours). Children under 6 years: Not recommended. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ingredients. Pre-coma states. Patients who have been on MAOI therapy within previous 14 days. Precautions: May act as cerebral stimulant in children and adults, with children and elderly more likely to experience paradoxical excitation. Use with caution in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, epilepsy, severe hypertension and cardiovascular disease, raised intra-ocular pressure, prostatic hypertrophy, bronchitis, thyrotoxicosis, bronchiectasis and bronchial asthma. May cause drowsiness. May seriously affect ability to drive and operate machinery. Avoid alcohol or concurrent use with sedative drugs. Avoid in elderly with confusion. Should not be used with other anti-histamine containing products. Contains lactose. Keep out of reach and sight of children. Side effects: Sedation, somnolence, disturbance in attention, abnormal coordination, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, fatigue, chest tightness, blood dyscrasias, allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Neurological anticholinergic effects, particularly in the young and elderly. Overdose: Symptoms of overdose likely to be similar to side effects listed and requires medical attention. Legal category: Pharmacy Only. Product Authorisation Number: PA 0678/080/001. Marketing Authorisation Holder: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (Ireland) Limited, 12 Riverwalk, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24, Ireland. Full product information is available in the SPC. Additional information is available upon request. Text prepared: May 2022.

  • Flixonase Product Information

    Product Information: Please consult the summary of product characteristics for full product information.

    Flixonase Allergy Relief 50 micrograms per dose Nasal Spray (fluticasone propionate). Indications: Prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Dosage: Adults 18 years and over: Two sprays into each nostril once a day if required. Maintenance: one spray per nostril once a day once control achieved. In some cases, twice daily dosing may be required for short periods. Use lowest possible maintenance dose. Max 4 sprays a day in each nostril. Do not use in those under 18 years of age. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ingredients. Precautions: If improvement in relief not seen within 7 days of continuous use, stop treatment and seek medical advice. Seek medical advice: if adequate relief not achieved after 7 days or require more than 6 months continuous use. Seek medical advice before use with: concomitant corticosteroid use, fever, nasal/sinus infection, recent nasal injury/surgery, nasal ulceration. 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. Reduced growth velocity has been observed in children treated with intranasal corticosteroids. Visual disturbances may occur with use of topical and systemic steroids. Contains benzalkonium chloride. Long-term use may cause oedema of the nasal mucosa. Side effects: Very common: Epistaxis. Common: Headache, unpleasant taste and smell, dryness and irritation of the nose and throat. See SPC for full details. Legal category: Pharmacy Only. Product Authorisation Holder: PA0678/095/001. Product Authorisation holder: Haleon Ireland Limited, 12 Riverwalk, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24, Ireland. Date of last revision: March 2023. Further information available on request.

    Contains fluticasone propionate. Always read the label/leaflet.

Read more about allergies

Magnifying glass icon

Causes

Find out about the causes behind allergies.

Find out more

Runny nose icon

Signs and Symptoms

Find out about the signs and symptoms of allergies.

Find out more

Book icon

Learning Lab

Find out more in the learning lab

Find out more

Management icon

Management

Explore an overview of allergy management.

Find out more

Piriton & Flixonase Logo

Piriton (For Pharmacists only) & Flixonase Allergy Relief

Find out more about how Piriton tablets and Flixonase Allergy Relief nasal spray can help your patients.

Find out more

Patient care resources icon

Patient care resources

Download resources for your patients.

FIND OUT MORE