Can I give toddler half a Clarityn tablet?

[DitaVonCheese]

3.5 yo DD has chicken pox. DH went out to get Piriton this morning but he came back with one for 6 yr+. I went out later but pharmacy was closed and best Tesco could do was Clarityn for 2 yr+ but when I got home and read instructions it turns out is only fine if your 2 yo is over 4.5 stone

DD is 2 stone. Can I give her half a Clarityn or quarter Piriton?

For a 3yo the use dose of piriton is 1mg each time - see here

I don't think you would be able to safely and accurately quarter a piriton tablet TBH.

Not many 3yo's are going to weight that much

Can you find a late night pharmacy?

AFAIK it is only piriton that is licensed for chickenpox itching, it is certainly the most suitable as it is not a non drowsy antihistamine.

you can search for local pharmacies here

piriton has been around for years and safe to use in pregnancy so I'd use a reduced dose of that.

It can make some people drowsy though.

usual dose. Piriton tablets are usually 4mg

You should be able to buy piriton for children in Asda if you have one nearby? I am with the others I wouldn't give the tablet.

Piriton is pharmacy only though. Other antihistamines available off the shelf have a different active ingredient, and not really available for younger children.

If no chemist tonight, you can try oats in the bath, or bicarb in the bath, plenty of moisturiser or aqueous cream with calamine if you have it.

Here are the dosages for piriton syrup by weight. You just need to check what level is in the syrup you have IYSWIM

www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/16105

Thanks for the replies. DD has had an oat bath and calamine on her spots so will see what the night brings ...

Random Thanks but we have tablets only.

Minnie I know, I am really pissed off re the weight thing It also mentions in the instructions that 4.5 stone is the weight of an average 9 yr old I checked a lot of packets before finding one suitable for 2 yr+; if it had said 4.5 stone+ I wouldn't have bought it!

What strength are the tablets - can you not work out what dosage to give?

I have to say piriton tablets taste absolutely bitter and disgusting - take them daily and every now and then one does go down properly and they are vile

They say half tablet for six yrs so thought a quarter might work but won't risk it and she's asleep now anyway :)

how many mg in one tablet?

Yes, a quarter would be the right dose, ie 1mg, but they are so small and not scored - so you wouldn't be able to get an exact quarter. I'm a nurse and I wouldn't try to quarter one for my DCs - too risky.

Hope she doesn't have too bad a night.

I don't think they are scored for quarters are they? Can't be sure now! If scored then, well I wouldn't advise you to but I probably would

TBH if you managed to get a quarter of tablet in a child bearing in mind how bad they taste I'd be awarding you a medal.

Random

Thanks Minnie - not checked but don't think they are scored for quarters as half is the smallest dose on the packet.

So annoying we now have two packs of tablets we can't use - no one in this house has hayfever

Thanks again for the replies :)

Night from hell!

Need to find open pharmacy for toddler-friendly version for tonight ...