Levocitizine
$400.00
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, watery eyes, and hives.
Uses
What is Levocetirizine Tablet & Important Details
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that helps reduce symptoms caused by histamine during allergic reactions. It is commonly used for allergic rhinitis and the skin symptoms of chronic urticaria (hives).
- It can relieve sneezing, runny nose, and nasal itching caused by allergies.
- It can help reduce itchy or watery eyes associated with allergic rhinitis.
- It is used to relieve itching and hives associated with chronic urticaria.
- It is generally taken once daily when prescribed at the usual adult dose.
- Some people may experience drowsiness, tiredness, or reduced alertness.
- The dose may need to be reduced when kidney function is impaired.
- It is available in oral forms, including tablets and oral solution.
Levocetirizine treats allergy symptoms but does not remove the underlying cause of an allergy. Its approved uses and age recommendations can vary by product and country.
How does Levocetirizine work (mechanism of action)?
Levocetirizine works mainly by blocking histamine H1 receptors. Histamine is one of the chemicals involved in many allergy symptoms.
- An allergen can trigger the body to release histamine.
- Histamine attaches to H1 receptors in tissues.
- This contributes to symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and hives.
- Levocetirizine selectively inhibits H1 receptors and reduces histamine-related effects.
- As a result, many common allergy symptoms become less noticeable.
Levocetirizine is the active R-enantiomer of cetirizine and has selective H1-receptor activity.
Specialized or Off-Label Uses of Levocetirizine
Levocetirizine has established uses for allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Uses outside approved indications should only be considered by a healthcare professional.
- Relief of allergy-related itching when clinically appropriate.
- Management of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis.
- Management of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria.
- Other antihistamine uses may sometimes be considered clinically, depending on the patient’s condition.
Evidence and licensing can differ between countries, so a use should not automatically be considered approved simply because an antihistamine is sometimes used for that condition.
Conditions That Levocetirizine Will Not Treat
Levocetirizine is intended for histamine-related allergy symptoms and should not be used as a general treatment for unrelated conditions.
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections such as influenza or the common cold itself
- Asthma attacks or severe breathing emergencies
- Sinus infections requiring antibiotic treatment
- Severe anaphylaxis as a replacement for emergency treatment
- Non-allergic causes of itching or rash
Seek appropriate medical care when symptoms are severe, unusual, persistent, or accompanied by breathing difficulty or swelling of the throat.
Benefits
What are the benefits of taking Levocetirizine Tablet
When appropriately used, levocetirizine can reduce several uncomfortable symptoms caused by allergic reactions.
- Helps reduce sneezing and runny nose.
- Relieves nasal and throat itching related to allergies.
- Helps reduce itchy and watery eyes.
- Can relieve itching associated with hives.
- Can reduce allergy-related skin symptoms.
- Usually provides symptom control with once-daily dosing when prescribed at the standard adult dose.
It provides symptom relief rather than curing the underlying allergic tendency.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Levocetirizine?
Most people tolerate levocetirizine, but some may develop effects related to its antihistamine action.
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Weakness or reduced energy
- Stomach discomfort
- Difficulty concentrating or reduced alertness
Drowsiness can occur even with a medicine intended to be less sedating than older antihistamines. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
What are the serious side effects of Levocetirizine?
Serious reactions are uncommon, but medical attention is important if concerning symptoms occur.
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Severe or rapidly worsening skin reaction
- Difficulty passing urine or inability to empty the bladder
- Marked confusion or unusual changes in alertness
- Severe weakness or unusual tiredness
- Symptoms suggesting a severe allergic reaction
Seek urgent medical care for breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, fainting, or other symptoms suggesting a serious allergic reaction. Urinary retention has also been reported and requires medical assessment.
Severe Allergic Reactions of Levocetirizine?
Although levocetirizine is used to treat allergies, a person can rarely have an allergic reaction to the medicine itself.
- Sudden swelling of the lips or tongue
- Swelling of the throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Severe difficulty swallowing
- Widespread hives
- Sudden severe dizziness
- Fainting or collapse
- Rapid worsening of symptoms
A severe allergic reaction can be an emergency. Stop and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms suggest anaphylaxis or significant airway swelling.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
After taking an oral dose, some people may notice:
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Reduced alertness
- Weakness
Side effects vary between people. Higher-than-recommended doses can increase the risk of drowsiness.
Levocetirizine Dosage Guidelines
Overview
The appropriate dose depends on age, formulation, medical condition, and kidney function. The usual adult and adolescent dose for many tablet products is 5 mg once daily in the evening.
Adults
5 mg once daily in the evening. Some patients may be adequately controlled with 2.5 mg once daily.
Children 6–11 years
2.5 mg once daily in the evening for applicable tablet products.
Older adults
Use appropriate dosing with particular attention to kidney function and possible increased sensitivity to adverse effects.
- Kidney function can substantially affect the required dose and dosing interval.
- Age and the approved formulation influence dosing.
- The condition being treated affects the recommended regimen.
- Do not exceed the prescribed or product-labeled daily dose.
- Children should receive only age-appropriate formulations and doses.
- Older adults may require careful assessment because kidney function commonly decreases with age.
- Do not change the dose without appropriate medical advice.
For young children, dosing depends on the specific oral formulation and age. Pediatric dosing should follow the product label or a clinician’s instructions.
Dosage Adjustments for Kidney, Liver, or Other Health Problems
Levocetirizine is primarily eliminated through the kidneys, so reduced kidney function can increase exposure to the medicine.
- Normal kidney function: Standard dosing may be used when otherwise appropriate.
- Reduced kidney function: Dose reduction is recommended according to creatinine clearance.
- Severe kidney impairment: Lower doses and longer intervals are required.
- Dialysis: Levocetirizine tablets are not recommended in end-stage renal disease or during hemodialysis.
- Liver disease: No adjustment is generally required for isolated hepatic impairment.
- Other conditions: Urinary retention risk and other medical conditions should be considered before treatment.
Do not use a standard dose in significant kidney disease without checking the appropriate dosing recommendation.
How Often and How Long to Take Levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine is commonly taken once daily when prescribed at the standard dose.
- Take it at approximately the same time each day.
- Evening dosing is commonly used for tablet regimens.
- Follow the duration recommended for your allergy condition.
- Do not take extra doses to obtain faster relief.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, discuss the treatment with a healthcare professional.
How should I take Levocetirizine?
Taking Levocetirizine With or Without Food
Levocetirizine tablets can generally be taken with or without food. Take the medicine with water and follow the instructions supplied with your particular product.
Food does not normally require a special restriction for levocetirizine tablets.
How to Take Specific Forms (Tablets, Chewables, Liquid Suspension)
Tablets
Swallow the tablet as directed with water. Some 5 mg tablets are scored and can provide a 2.5 mg dose when the product specifically allows splitting.
Liquid oral solution
Measure the prescribed amount carefully using an appropriate measuring device. Do not use an ordinary kitchen spoon because it may not measure the correct volume.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Levocetirizine?
Taking more than recommended can increase the risk of drowsiness and other adverse effects. Contact a healthcare professional or poison-control service for advice after an overdose, particularly if a large amount was taken or significant symptoms develop.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Levocetirizine?
Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not take two doses together.
Interactions
Does Levocetirizine interact with foods or drinks?
There is no major routine food restriction for levocetirizine. Alcohol is important because it can add to the medicine’s effects on alertness and drowsiness.
Does Levocetirizine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)
Important interactions mainly concern medicines or substances that can increase central nervous system depression or drowsiness.
- Alcohol
- Sedatives and tranquilizers
- Other medicines that cause significant drowsiness
- Other central nervous system depressants
Tell a healthcare professional about all medicines you take, especially medicines that make you sleepy.
Levocetirizine and Blood Thinners
Levocetirizine is not generally recognized as having a major direct interaction with commonly used blood thinners.
- Tell your healthcare professional if you use an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine.
- Do not stop prescribed blood-thinning treatment because of levocetirizine.
- Check the complete medicine list if multiple medicines are being taken.
Levocetirizine and Birth Control (if applicable)
Levocetirizine is not known to reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. Continue contraception as prescribed.
Interactions with Supplements, Vitamins, and Herbal Products
Specific interaction information for many supplements and herbal products is limited. The main practical concern is additive drowsiness.
- Herbs or supplements with sedating effects
- Sleep-support products that cause drowsiness
- Products containing multiple antihistamines
- Combination cold or allergy products
- Alcohol-containing preparations
Tell your healthcare professional about supplements and herbal products you use regularly, particularly if they cause sleepiness.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Levocetirizine?
Some people should avoid levocetirizine or use it only after medical assessment.
- People with a known allergy to levocetirizine or its ingredients
- People with a known hypersensitivity to cetirizine
- People with end-stage kidney disease
- People undergoing hemodialysis
- Young children with impaired kidney function where the product is contraindicated
What should I know about Levocetirizine before using it?
Levocetirizine can cause drowsiness and requires particular care in people with certain medical conditions.
- Be cautious when driving until you know whether it makes you sleepy.
- Avoid combining it with alcohol or other sedating substances.
- Tell your healthcare professional about kidney disease.
- Tell your healthcare professional if you have difficulty urinating.
- Use extra caution if you have conditions that increase urinary-retention risk.
- Check combination allergy and cold medicines to avoid unnecessary duplicate ingredients.
Precautions for Pre-existing Conditions (Heart, Kidney, Liver)
Kidney disease
Kidney impairment can require a lower dose or longer dosing interval. Severe impairment needs particular caution.
Liver disease
Isolated liver disease generally does not require a dose adjustment, although combined liver and kidney impairment may require adjustment.
Heart disease
Levocetirizine is not primarily restricted because of heart disease, but all current medicines and medical conditions should be reviewed.
Safety Guidelines During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy decisions should be made with a healthcare professional after considering the need for allergy treatment and available alternatives.
- Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
- Do not start or stop regular allergy treatment without appropriate advice.
- Use the lowest appropriate exposure when treatment is considered necessary.
- During breastfeeding, monitor the infant for unusual sleepiness or other concerning effects.
Available lactation information suggests levocetirizine appears acceptable during breastfeeding, but information remains limited and larger or prolonged doses may cause infant drowsiness or affect milk supply.
Safe Usage & Best Practices
Why You Must Complete the Full Prescription
Levocetirizine is not an antibiotic, so there is no general rule that every course must be completed in the same way as an antibiotic course. Follow the duration specifically recommended for your allergy condition.
- Take only the recommended dose.
- Use it for the duration advised for your condition.
- Do not increase the dose because symptoms continue.
- Ask for medical advice if symptoms do not improve or become worse.
Consequences of Skipping Doses or Sharing Medication
Skipping doses may allow allergy symptoms to return, while sharing medication can expose another person to an unsuitable dose or contraindication.
- The other person may have kidney disease.
- They may be allergic to the medicine or cetirizine.
- Their age may require a different dose.
- Their symptoms may have a different cause.
- They may take medicines that increase drowsiness.
Can Levocetirizine cause drowsiness?
Yes. Drowsiness is a recognized side effect of levocetirizine and may affect some people.
- Sleepiness
- Reduced alertness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Difficulty concentrating
Avoid driving or operating machinery if you become drowsy, and avoid alcohol because it can further reduce alertness.
What should you do if you feel better before finishing the medication?
Because levocetirizine is used for symptom control, the appropriate duration depends on why it was started and the instructions for the specific product.
- Follow the recommended treatment duration.
- Do not take extra doses after symptoms improve.
- Do not restart prolonged treatment without appropriate advice.
- Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure whether to continue.
Levocetirizine and Alcohol
Lifestyle Restrictions: Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Levocetirizine?
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking levocetirizine because alcohol can increase drowsiness and reduce mental alertness.
- Alcohol may make sleepiness more noticeable.
- Driving becomes less safe when alertness is reduced.
- Other sedating medicines can add to this effect.
- Avoid alcohol particularly if levocetirizine already makes you sleepy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Specific Warnings for Pediatric and Geriatric Patients
During pregnancy, levocetirizine should be used after discussing the need for treatment with a healthcare professional. Available information does not replace individualized medical advice.
During breastfeeding, available evidence suggests levocetirizine is generally compatible, but limited information means infants should be observed for unusual drowsiness or other changes.
- Children: Use only an age-appropriate formulation and dose.
- Children: Kidney impairment can significantly affect dosing and may contraindicate treatment in certain young children.
- Older adults: Kidney function should be considered when determining the dose.
- Breastfed infants: Monitor for unusual sleepiness or feeding changes if the mother is taking the medicine.
Storage Details
Store levocetirizine according to the instructions on the specific package. Keep the medicine protected from inappropriate temperature, moisture, and access by children.
- Keep the medicine in its original container when practical.
- Store according to the temperature stated on the product label.
- Protect tablets from excessive moisture.
- Keep medicines out of reach of children.
- Do not use damaged or improperly sealed packaging.
- Follow formulation-specific storage instructions for oral solutions.
Common Brand Names for Levocetirizine Available in India, USA, UK, Canada
- India: Xyzal, Teczine, Levocet, Vozet
- USA: Xyzal
- UK: Xyzal
- Canada: Xyzal is a registered Canadian pharmaceutical trademark; current marketed product availability should be checked with Health Canada’s Drug Product Database.
Frequently asked questions
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1. What is Levocetirizine used for?
Ans: It is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching or hives associated with chronic urticaria.
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2. Does Levocetirizine make you sleepy?
Ans: Yes. Drowsiness or sleepiness can occur in some people. Avoid driving and alcohol if the medicine makes you less alert.
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3. Can Levocetirizine be taken with food?
Ans: Yes. Levocetirizine tablets can generally be taken with or without food.
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4. Is Levocetirizine safe for people with kidney problems?
Ans: Kidney function is important because levocetirizine is mainly eliminated through the kidneys. People with reduced kidney function may need a lower dose or longer dosing interval.
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5. Can I drink alcohol while taking Levocetirizine?
Ans: Avoid alcohol because it can increase drowsiness and reduce alertness when combined with levocetirizine.
Storage Details
Temperature
15-25°C
Light Exposure
Keep in dark place
Humidity
Keep dry
