Piriton for 4 month old

[JoyfulJoyful]

Hello

I need some advice please. My 4 month old baby who weighs 7.2kg had really bad excema which resulted in a swollen face today. I took him to the hospital and was given piriton. I gave him 2.5ml at about half 9 in the morning but he has spent all day sleeping. I have read the leaflet which says not recommended for children under a year. I'm trying not to panic.

Anyone experience this?

This website
www.netdoctor.co.uk/allergy-and-asthma/medicines/piriton.html

Says "Piriton syrup is not licensed for children under one year of age. However, doctors do sometimes prescribe it to treat babies aged one month or over. You should only give this medicine to babies aged under one year if instructed to by your doctor"

You were given it by a doctor, so don't worry.

Thanks noblegiraffe. I am worried as he has slpet for over 8 hours.

Sleepiness is a very common side effect of piriton (I've heard of some parents giving it to their child to make them sleep). Can you rouse him?

If you are worried, call your out of hours doctor to check with them.

it is a sedating antihistamine so it can cause drowsiness. Was it 2.5mls that you were told to give?

Yes, I've just seen that 2.5ml is the dose for 2 year olds. Is that what they said at the hospital?

Sorry, it's also the dose for 1 year olds, just less frequently.

Yes, that is what they said to give 2.5ml.

By the way, when you say in your OP 'not recommended for children under one year', that is not the same as not being safe for children under one year. It's not licensed for children under one year which means that the pharmaceutical company has not run clinical trials on piriton in babies.
Doctors can prescribe it, however. If there had been any indication of problems, they wouldn't have prescribed it.

But seriously, if you're worried, phone for medical advice.

Thanks noblegiraffe. I am on the phone to 111.

Hope everything is ok!

Thanks noblegiraffe, everything is fine. Thank you for your quick responses and support. My baby is awake now and is very alert and himself. Nurse on 111 said not to worry as Dr prescribed it but I won't be giving another dose tonight.
Thanks again.

Good to know, hope baby isn't awake all night now :)

My dd got dreadfully constipated when on piriton. It can be a real problem so do be aware, and get advice sooner rather than later if there is any change in your baby's bowel habit.