Levocetirizine
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis ... show more
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
NO
Teratogenicity
Unlisted
Pharmaceutical Class
Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist
Levocetirizine
Know More About This Medicine -
Click HereSummary
Levocetirizine is used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It's also used to alleviate itching and swelling associated with chronic urticaria, a type of hives.
Levocetirizine works by blocking histamine, a substance in your body that causes allergic reactions. By preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, it decreases inflammation and allergic responses.
Levocetirizine is typically taken once a day. Adults and kids 12 and up usually take 5mg once a day, younger kids 6-11 years old take 2.5mg once a day, and the smallest kids 6 months to 5 years take 1.25mg once a day.
Common side effects of Levocetirizine include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and fatigue. More serious, but rare, side effects can include allergic reactions, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, heart rhythm disturbances or liver problems.
Avoid Levocetirizine if you're allergic to it, or if you have severe kidney problems. It can cause drowsiness or tiredness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking it. Also, avoid alcohol or other drugs that make you sleepy while on this medicine.
Indications and Purpose
What is Levocetirizine used for?
This medicine helps quickly ease allergy symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and itchy throat or nose. It can also help with itchy skin rashes caused by a specific type of hives.
How does Levocetirizine work?
Levocetirizine is a medicine that's quickly absorbed into your body after you take it. It works best in your system about an hour after taking a pill, or a little sooner if it's a liquid. It stays in your body for about 8-9 hours, a bit less for women. Most of the medicine leaves your body through your urine. Very little of it is broken down by your body, so it's not likely to cause problems if you're taking other medications.
Is Levocetirizine effective?
Levocetirizine is a medicine that helps with allergy symptoms like those from hay fever. A study showed that taking 5mg of it made allergy symptoms. People felt better within an hour, and the improvement was even greater after a day. Doctors know it works for children too, even though they haven't done as many studies on kids directly. They base this on how the medicine acts in the body, which is similar in adults and children.
How does one know if Levocetirizine is working?
Studies show levocetirizine helps with allergy symptoms like runny nose and itchy eyes, and hives. It significantly reduced allergy symptoms and itchiness in several tests. It worked faster for allergies (within a day), and very quickly for hives (within an hour for a 5mg dose). Different doses were tried, and all worked better than the dummy pill.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Levocetirizine?
This medicine has different amounts for different ages. Adults and kids 12 and up usually take 5mg once a day at night, but some adults might only need half that (2.5mg). Younger kids (6-11 years old) take 2.5mg once a day, and the smallest kids (6 months to 5 years) take 1.25mg once a day. Never take more than the recommended amount.
How do I take Levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine can be taken with or without food. There are no specific food restrictions associated with this medication. It is recommended to take it once a day, preferably in the evening, as it may cause drowsiness. Ensure to follow the prescribed dosage and consult a healthcare provider if any concerns arise.
For how long do I take Levocetirizine?
Studies testing the allergy medicine levocetirizine have used different time periods: 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months.
How long does it take for Levocetirizine to start working?
Levocetirizine begins to work within 1 hour of administration, with effects lasting for 24 hours
How should I store Levocetirizine?
Keep the medicine between 68°F and 77°F. It's okay if the temperature goes a little lower (59°F) or a little higher (86°F) for a short time.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine is a medicine you shouldn't take if you're allergic to it or similar drugs. People with severe kidney problems should also avoid it. It can make you sleepy or tired, so don't drive or do anything dangerous after taking it. Don't drink alcohol or take other drugs that make you sleepy while you're on this medicine. If you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor before taking it.
Can I take Levocetirizine with other prescription drugs?
Cetirizine (an allergy medicine) can be affected by other medications. Theophylline (for breathing problems) might slightly reduce how quickly your body gets rid of cetirizine. Ritonavir (an HIV medication) significantly slows down cetirizine's removal from the body, making it stay in your system longer. However, a similar allergy medicine, levocetirizine, is less likely to have these kinds of interactions with other drugs.
Can I take Levocetirizine with vitamins or supplements?
No specific interactions are noted, but consult your healthcare provider before combining them.
Can Levocetirizine be taken safely while pregnant?
There is insufficient data on use in pregnancy. Use only if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Can Levocetirizine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Levocetirizine may pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication.The benefits of breastfeeding need to be carefully weighed against any possible risks to the baby from the medicine.
Is Levocetirizine safe for the elderly?
Older adults often need lower doses of medicine. Their bodies, especially their liver, kidneys, and heart, may not work as well as younger people's. They might also have other health problems or be taking other medications. The doctor should check how well their kidneys are working to decide on the right dose.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Levocetirizine?
Exercise is generally safe, but caution is advised if drowsiness or dizziness occurs.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Levocetirizine?
This medicine can make you sleepy. Drinking alcohol while taking it will make you even sleepier. It's best to avoid alcohol completely while you're on this medication.
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