Indications
Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms. It treats seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and year-round allergic rhinitis, with sneezing, runny or blocked nose and itchy, watery eyes. It is also used for chronic urticaria (long-lasting hives or nettle rash) and other itchy allergic skin conditions.
How It Works
When the body reacts to an allergen such as pollen, dust or animal hair, it releases histamine, which causes itching, sneezing, swelling and a runny nose. Levocetirizine blocks the H1 receptors that histamine acts on, so these symptoms are reduced. It is the active half of Cetirizine, so a smaller dose works, and it causes less drowsiness than older antihistamines.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults and children 12 years and over: 5 mg once daily, usually in the evening, with or without food.
- Children 6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg once daily, or as prescribed.
- Younger children: syrup or drops only as prescribed by a doctor.
People with kidney problems may need a lower dose or a dose every other day, as prescribed. Swallow tablets whole with water.
Interactions
Alcohol and other medicines that cause drowsiness (such as sleeping tablets, Diazepam, opioid painkillers or other antihistamines) can add to sleepiness. Large doses of Theophylline and Ritonavir may slightly increase levels of Levocetirizine. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Levocetirizine, Cetirizine, Hydroxyzine or any ingredient
- Severe kidney disease (very low kidney function)
- Children under 6 months
- Rare hereditary sugar intolerance if the tablet contains lactose
Side Effects
Most people have no problems. Possible side effects include:
- Drowsiness or tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Rarely, difficulty passing urine, blurred vision, or mood changes
Get urgent medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a severe rash, fainting, a fast heartbeat, fits, or are unable to pass urine.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Limited information suggests no clear harm in pregnancy, but use only if your doctor advises it. Levocetirizine passes into breast milk and may make a baby sleepy, so ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- It may cause drowsiness in some people; do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Use with care if you have epilepsy, an enlarged prostate, or difficulty passing urine.
- Stop taking it 3 days before an allergy skin test, as it can affect the result.
- Older people and those with kidney problems may need dose changes.
Overdose
Too much can cause marked drowsiness, restlessness or agitation (especially in children), urinary retention and fast heartbeat. Contact a doctor or go to hospital straight away. There is no specific antidote; treatment supports the body until the medicine clears.
Therapeutic Class
Second-generation (non-sedating) antihistamine, H1 receptor antagonist
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.