What Is Levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine which is used to reduce allergy symptoms such as itchy, red or dry eyes, nasal congestion and sneezing. Itchy skin, and reaction to bites, insects, or other bites.Levocetirizine is a medication that reduces the negative effects of a naturally occurring chemical that is present in our body called histamine. Histamine is a chemical that can cause symptoms such as nasal runniness or the occurrence of hives.
Levocetirizine can be used to treat the symptoms of all-year-round (also known as permanent) allergies in children and adults six months of age or older.Levocetirizine also helps to treat swelling and itching due to persistent (long-lasting) urticaria (hives) in children and adults who are six months of age or older.Levocetirizine was FDA-approved in 2007.
Warnings
Follow all the instructions on the levocetirizine label as well as the pack. Be sure to inform all your healthcare professionals that you are taking levocetirizine.
Before you Take this Drug
Levocetirizine should not be used when you are allergic to either levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec).Levocetirizine should not be taken in the event that you suffer from end-stage kidney disease or are taking dialysis. Children less than 12 years old suffering from kidney disease should not use levocetirizine.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Kidney disease;
- Liver disease;
- UTIs (caused by a variety of conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or spinal cord lesions)
- Gallbladder-related problems.
Levocetirizine is not thought to cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your physician if you are expecting or planning to become expecting.It is not recommended to breastfeed when taking levocetirizine.Levocetirizine has not been approved to be used by anyone less than 6 months of age.
How to take Levocetirizine?
Follow the instructions on the label. Also, read the entire medication guide or instruction sheet on levocetirizine.
The dosage of levocetirizine for children is determined by the child's age. Follow the instructions of your doctor for dosage extremely carefully.Don't give your child more than the recommended dose of levocetirizine. A child's body absorbs twice the same amount of levocetirizine as an adult's.Levocetirizine that is taken more often than prescribed does not increase its effectiveness, and it can result in severe drowsiness.Levocetirizine is typically taken in the evening, either with food or not.
Take care when measuring the liquid levocetirizine. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or use a dosage-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).Consult your physician. If your symptoms don't improve, if they are worse, or if you also suffer from fever,Keep levocetirizine in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.
What Happens if I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take levocetirizine's dose, make sure to take the missed dose as soon as you are able to. Do not take your missed dose if it's close to the time for the next dose. Don't do two doses at a time.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What Should be Avoided?
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of levocetirizine on your body. The way you react could be impaired.
Levocetirizine-based drinks can trigger side effects like drowsiness.
Side effects Of Levocetirizine
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to the medication levocetirizine, such as symptoms of hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Levocetirizine may cause serious side effects. Stop taking levocetirizine immediately and contact your doctor immediately in the event that you suffer from:
- The symptoms of urticaria and allergies are getting worse.
- Uncomfortable or difficult to urinate;
- Minimal or no urination
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're passing out;
- fver
- Symptoms of an ear infection: ear pain or fullness problems hearing, earache, dripping in the ear, and a general feeling of irritability in children.
Common adverse reactions to levocetirizine can include:
- Drowsiness, tiredness;
- Sinus pain;
- Ear infection;
- Cough;
- Fever;
- Nosebleed;
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation;
- Dry mouth dry mouth
- Weight gain.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Details on Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:
5 mg orally, once throughout the day, in the evening.
Comment: Some patients might be well controlled with 2.5 mg once a day, in the evening.
Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Seasonal Allergy Rhinitis (OTC): 5 mg once orally per night in the evening; certain patients could be treated with 2.5 mg once per day.
Usual Paediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis:
From 6 months until 2 years old: 1.25 mg taken orally, once every day at night.
Comments: The dose recommended for children aged between 6 months and 2 years should not be overdosed.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC):
6–11 years old: 2.5 mg orally once every day at night.
12 years and more: 5 mg taken orally daily at night; some patients can be controlled with 2.5 mg daily.
Notes: Do not use it for patients younger than 6 years old.
Usual Paediatric Dose for Urticaria:
From 6 months until 5 years old: 1.25 mg once every day at night.
6–11 years old: 2.5 mg orally once each day, in the evening.
12 years old or more than 5 mg taken orally daily in the evening. Some patients might be able to manage 2.5 mg once per day.
Comments on the recommended dosages for children aged six months through 12 years old must not be exceeded.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Levocetirizine, along with other drugs that cause drowsiness, can cause more harm. Consult your physician before taking opioid medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medications to treat anxiety and seizures.
Inform your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Ritonavir
- Theophylline.
This list is not exhaustive. Other drugs can interact with levocetirizine, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all drugs are listed in this article.
