Levocetirizine

Generic name: Levocetirizine
Drug class: Antihistamines

Usage of Levocetirizine

LevoCetirizine is an antihistamine that may be used to reduce allergy symptoms such as red, itchy, or watery eyes; a runny nose; sneezing; rashes; or reactions to insect bites or stings.

Levocetirizine works by reducing the effects of a natural chemical in the body called histamine. Histamine can produce symptoms such as a runny nose or hives.

Levocetirizine is used to treat symptoms of year-round (also called perennial) allergies in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.

Levocetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic (long-lasting) urticaria (hives) in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.

Levocetirizine was FDA approved in 2007.

Levocetirizine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to levocetirizine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Levocetirizine may cause serious side effects. Stop using levocetirizine and call your doctor at once if you have:

worsening allergy or urticaria symptoms;

painful or difficult urination;

little or no urination;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

fever; or

signs of an ear infection--ear pain or full feeling, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, fussiness in a child.

Common side effects of levocetirizine may include:

drowsiness, tiredness;

sinus pain;

ear infection;

cough;

fever;

nosebleed;

vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

dry mouth; or

weight gain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Levocetirizine

You should not use levocetirizine if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine (Zyrtec).

You should not take levocetirizine if you have end-stage kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. Any child younger than 12 years old with kidney disease should not take levocetirizine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

kidney disease;

liver disease;

urination problems (caused by conditions such as enlarged prostate or spinal cord lesion); or

gallbladder problems.

Levocetirizine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intending to become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while taking levocetirizine.

Levocetirizine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old.

Relate drugs

How to use Levocetirizine

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:

5 mg orally once a day in the evening Comments: Some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC): 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: 6 months to 2 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day in the evening Comments: The recommended dose in pediatric patients 6 months to 2 years should not be exceeded. Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (OTC): 6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening 12 years or older: 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day Comments: Avoid use in patients less than 6 years.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria:

6 months to 5 years: 1.25 mg orally once a day in the evening 6 to 11 years: 2.5 mg orally once a day in the evening 12 years or older: 5 mg orally once a day in the evening; some patients may be adequately controlled on 2.5 mg once a day Comments: The recommended doses in pediatric patients 6 months to 12 years should not be exceeded.

Warnings

Follow all the directions on your levocetirizine label and package. Tell all your healthcare providers that you take levocetirizine.

What other drugs will affect Levocetirizine

Using levocetirizine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

ritonavir; or

theophylline.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect levocetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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