The hay fever season is underway and millions expect to avoid runny noses and itchy eyes with their usual antihistamine pills.
Except that some are unreachable. Look for Piriton Allergy Tablets for Adults on the Boots website and you’ll see the message: “Sorry, this product is sold out and we will not receive any more stock.”
This is a similar announcement on the websites of Lloyds Pharmacy and Co-op Pharmacy.
The reason for the deficiency affecting Piriton and other products is that the main ingredient, chlorphenamine maleate, is deficient.
Symptoms of hay fever begin when immune cells, B-lymphocytes, misidentify pollen proteins as a threat and produce antibodies that trigger chemicals called histamines
“It’s a bad time for that,” said Sid Dayani, a Hampshire pharmacist. “Many people rely on these drugs.”
There is also concern, as chlorphenamine, an antihistamine, is a common treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. “There is no such effective antihistamine,” says Sid Dayani.
Symptoms of hay fever begin when immune cells, B-lymphocytes, mistakenly identify pollen proteins as a threat and produce antibodies that trigger chemicals called histamines.
They cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to the release of fluid from the capillaries, causing runny nose, sneezing and crying eyes.
Chlorphenamine deficiency has been blamed on logistical problems as well as disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine.
In addition, many suppliers are in China, where 345 million people live in blockade, including Shanghai, the world’s largest port.
Look for Piriton Allergy Tablets for Adults on the Boots website and you’ll see the message: “Sorry, this product is sold out and will not be available anymore.”
A Boots spokesman said: “We have a range of medicines to relieve hay fever, with good availability overall. A small number of lines are currently out of stock due to the current shortage of chlorphenamine maleate throughout the industry. However, we expect this to be resolved soon.
If you can’t find your usual brand, Sid Diane suggests looking for your own brand of chlorphenamine maleate tablets, which may still be available.
Other brands that contain the antihistamine cetirizine hydrochloride are available – such as Piriteze, Benadryl, Allacan, he said. “There are also branded products that have different antihistamines.”
The National Institute of Excellence in Health and Care says antihistamines like loratadine cause less drowsiness than chlorphenamine. Loratadine-containing products include Clarityn and Boots tablets, a daily allergy relief of 10 mg.
Boots Hayfever and Allergy Relief and Benadryl Allergy Single 10 mg tablets a day contain cetirizine, which is unlikely to make you drowsy. Benadryl Relief contains an antihistamine that does not cause drowsiness, acrivastine.
The reason for the deficiency affecting Piriton and other products is that the main ingredient, chlorphenamine maleate, is deficient. Hay fever from boots and tablets to relieve allergies are pictured above
But some people choose chlorphenamine because it helps them sleep through their symptoms at night. Sid Diane says that adults who cannot receive Piriton but need the sleep effect can take Nytol, which contains the antihistamine diphenhydramine.
Liquid formulas for children containing chlorphenamine, including Piriton syrup, are currently available. Other options include Clarityn Allergy syrup for children two years and older, which contains loratadine.
Cetirizine may sometimes be prescribed to children under 12 years of age. “The Benadryl Allergy for Children oral solution, which is also available in chewable form, contains diphenhydramine, which is still available,” said Sid Dayani.
Whatever medication you choose, he says, antihistamines take two to three days to take effect, so they must be taken before problems begin.
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