Levocetirizine

Levocetirizine

Levocetirizine (Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride) is an anti-allergic medicine that comes in the category of second-generation anti-histamine medicines. It helps in reducing the effects produced by histamine, which is a natural chemical present in the body. It is available as an over-the-counter medicine, however, it is recommended to take with a doctor’s advice or when prescribed by a doctor. 

What are the uses of Levocetirizine?

Levocetirizine tablets are mainly for treating the symptoms of allergies. Here are some levocetirizine dihydrochloride tablet uses:

• Allergic symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, itching of the skin, redness of the skin, allergies to molds, fur, and seasonal allergies.

• Skin allergies such as rashes on the skin, hives, burning, etc.

• Allergies after insect bites.

How and when to take Levocetirizine?

A person must take this anti-allergy tablet as prescribed by the doctor. One should avoid taking an overdose, and it should not be taken for a long time. Taking this medicine for a long time will increase the risk of developing side effects.

• You must check the label and follow the instructions to use this medicine safely.

• It should be taken at night after food. If the medicine has to be given to a child, you must measure the correct dose with a measuring spoon or cup.

The dose may be different for different people depending on the symptoms and age. The levocetirizine tablet dose for adults are diffreent from children. Consulting a doctor is strongly advised for the proper dosage.

Dosage

The dosage of medicine depends on the patient. Always follow your doctor’s directions, as stated on the product label, and do not alter your dosage unless told to do so by your doctor. To determine how much medicine to take, you need to know how strong the medication is, how many times it will be given, and what condition it is being used to help treat.

Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)

• Adults and children (12 years and older) can take 5 mg once daily, preferably in the evening. Do not exceed 5 mg in any 24-hour period.
• Children (6–11 years) can take 2.5 mg (½ of a 5 mg tablet) or 5 mL of oral solution once daily, preferably in the evening.
• Children (2–5 years) can take 1.25 mg (2.5 mL of oral solution) once daily, preferably in the evening.
• Children (6 months–2 years) can take 1.25 mg (2.5 mL of oral solution) once daily. The dosage may be adjusted by the treating doctor if required.
• Children under 6 months should use Levocetirizine only if specifically prescribed by a doctor, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established for this age group.

Hives (Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria)

• Adults and children (12 years and older) can take 5 mg once daily, preferably in the evening. Do not exceed 5 mg in any 24-hour period.
• Children (6–11 years) can take 2.5 mg (½ of a 5 mg tablet) or 5 mL of oral solution once daily, preferably in the evening.
• Children (6 months–5 years) can take 1.25 mg (2.5 mL of oral solution) once daily, preferably in the evening.
• Children under 6 months should use Levocetirizine only if specifically prescribed by a doctor, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established. Oral solution is preferred for children below 6 years, as tablet formulations are generally not recommended for this age group.

What are the side effects of Levocetirizine?

Some people may experience some levocetirizine side effects. One must stop taking the medication if the following symptoms appear:

• Fatigue

• Mouth parchedness

• Weakness

• Fever

• Nosebleed

• Throat discomfort

• Sleepiness

• Rashes all over the body

• Itching and burning

• Round and raised red spots on the skin

• Cough

If you experience any side effects from the medicine, you must consult with your doctor immediately to get help.

What are the precautions to be taken while taking Levocetirizine?

You must keep in touch with your doctor to ensure that the medicine is working efficiently. The doctor may advise you to get your blood or urine tested to check for any unwanted effects of the medicine.

• The medicine may cause urinary retention. If you have a reduced frequency of passing urine, you must consult with your doctor. If you experience difficulty in passing urine or pain while passing urine, you must tell your doctor.

• You may feel weak and tired after taking this medicine. You should avoid driving after taking this medicine.

• If you consume alcohol or other medications that may interact with this medication, your symptoms will become worse. You may feel dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, etc.

• If you are taking anti-depressants, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills, you must consult with your doctor before taking this medicine.

• Pregnant women should avoid taking levocetirizine because it may harm the baby. Breastfeeding women should not take this medicine without a doctor’s advice. 

• Other Medical Problems: In case you suffer from the medical conditions listed below, you need to inform your physician about them because it can influence your suitability for taking this drug:
  • Enlarged prostate or spinal cord lesions – The use of this drug is associated with an increased risk of urinary retention in patients with such conditions.
  • End-stage renal disease – You should refrain from using this drug if you are under hemodialysis at the moment.
  • Urinary retention – The use of this drug may be risky for you because it may worsen your condition.

What if I miss a dose of Levocetirizine?

If you miss a dose of Levocetirizine, take it as soon as you remember it. If your next dose is due in some time, then you must skip it and take your regular dose. Avoid taking a double dose to avoid overdosing and its harmful consequences.

What would happen if I overdose on Levocetirizine?

If a person took an overdose on this medicine, it could cause serious side effects. The person may have the following symptoms after taking an overdose of levocetirizine:

• Extreme fatigue and weakness

• Excessive sleepiness

• Restlessness

If a person takes an overdose of levocetirizine, contact the doctor immediately and visit an emergency room if the symptoms become worse.

What are the storage conditions for Levocetirizine?

• This medicine should be kept at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

• Avoid keeping it in bathrooms or other damp areas.

• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

• Avoid keeping the medicine in direct sunlight.

Drug Interactions

Some drugs interact with this medication and change how the drug works. Always tell your doctor all the drugs that you are taking.

Do not use with Isocarboxazid.

Use with caution: The following types of medications can cause more than one type of adverse effect; your doctor may need to adjust the dosage or watch you more closely while you are taking them:

• Sedatives and sleeping pills (e.g., alprazolam, clonazepam, clobazam)
• Opioid pain medications (e.g., codeine, buprenorphine, alfentanil, butorphanol)
• Muscle relaxers (e.g., baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol)
• Antipsychotics/Antidepressants (e.g., aripiprazole, clozapine, chlorpromazine, clomipramine)
• Barbiturates and other central nervous system depressants
• Cannabis, cannabidiol, or related products

If these drugs are used together, your doctor will monitor you closely and may change your dosage or withdraw these substances from your regimen.

How quickly do Levocetirizine tablets show results?

Generally, it starts working after an hour. The medicine will show its complete effect in six hours and the effect of the medicine stays in the body for 26-27 hours approximately. 

What should I know about the storage and disposal?

Levocetirizine should be properly stored and disposed of in order to ensure it works effectively and does not accidentally get used.

Storage:

• Room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F).
• Avoid exposure to moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
• Make sure it is in its original container with the lid on tightly.
• Keep it out of reach of children or pets.
• Do not store it in the bathroom, where the air is humid.

Disposal:

• Do not use Levocetirizine after the expiration date.
• If not instructed to, do not flush down the toilet.
• Use a local medicine take-back program where available.
• If the take-back option is not available, mix the Levocetirizine with something that does not look appealing and seal it inside a bag or container to throw away in your household trash.

Your ability to store and dispose of Levocetirizine will help keep you safe and ensure it works as well as possible.

Who should not use levocetirizine?

Levocetirizine is not recommended for individuals who: 

• Have a known allergy to either Levocetirizine, Cetirizine, or Hydroxyzine
• Have stated kidney failure (especially if on dialysis). 

Levocetirizine is to be used cautiously in individuals who: 

• Have a mild-moderate renal impairment 
• Have a problem with urination or an enlarged prostate 
• Are either pregnant or nursing mother 
• Are taking other sedating medications 

It is also advised to consult a healthcare provider prior to use of this medication if having any chronic medical conditions or if taking any medication on a regular basis.

Comparison between Levocetirizine and Cetirizine

This should have given all the necessary information about Levocetirizine medicine. It is important to know your medicines before you start taking them. Moreover, you should always get medical advice from your doctor before taking any such medications.

FAQs

1. What is Levocetirizine used for?

Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that is commonly used to relieve symptoms associated with allergic conditions such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), hives (urticaria), and allergic conjunctivitis.

2. How does Levocetirizine work?

Levocetirizine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance produced by the body in response to an allergic reaction. By inhibiting histamine, Levocetirizine helps reduce symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes.

3. Is Levocetirizine available over-the-counter?

Levocetirizine is available both over-the-counter and as a prescription medication, depending on the formulation and strength. Lower strengths are often available without a prescription.

4. Can Levocetirizine be used for children?

Levocetirizine is generally safe for use in children, but the dosage depends on the child's age and weight. It's important to follow the pediatrician's recommendations and use formulations specifically designed for children.

5. How should Levocetirizine be taken?

Follow the recommended dosage and administration instructions provided by your healthcare professional or as indicated on the product label. It's usually taken once a day, with or without food.

6. How many days can you take levocetirizine?

Levocetirizine can be taken for a few days to several weeks depending on your allergy signs and symptoms, as well as your doctor’s recommendation.

7. Why take levocetirizine at night?

Levocetirizine is taken at night, as it may induce slight drowsiness in some patients.

8. What is the risk of levocetirizine?

The risk of levocetirizine may include sleepiness, dryness of the mouth, tiredness, headaches, or dizziness, although these are very rare.

9. How many hours does levocetirizine take to work?

Levocetirizine takes 1 hour to begin working after it is taken.

10. What happens if we take levocetirizine daily?

Levocetirizine can be taken daily to manage your allergy signs and symptoms, although it is recommended to consult your doctor for long-term use.

11. Will I feel sleepy after taking levocetirizine?

You may feel somewhat sleepy after taking levocetirizine, although it is considered to be a low-sedating antihistamine.

12. What should I avoid while taking levocetirizine?

You should avoid drinking alcohol or performing tasks that require your attention if you feel somewhat sleepy.

13. Can I take 10 mg of levocetirizine?

The recommended adult dose of Levocetirizine is 5 mg once daily, so it should be taken in 10 mg doses only when recommended by your doctor.

14. Can Levocetirizine be taken with other allergy medications?

Levocetirizine should only be used together with other medications if there is a doctor's recommendation. It is necessary to avoid using Levocetirizine together with other antihistamines due to possible side effects like drowsiness.

15. Is it safe to take Levocetirizine during pregnancy?

The use of Levocetirizine during pregnancy is considered safe. Nevertheless, it is used only when its benefits exceed the possible risks identified by a health care specialist.

16. Can Levocetirizine be used while breastfeeding?

Levocetirizine passes into breast milk. In this regard, it is recommended to consult with a physician to weigh the benefits and possible risks of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

17. Does Levocetirizine interact with any medicines?

There are rare drug interactions of Levocetirizine with other drugs; however, it potentiates the effects of some medicines, for instance, sleeping pills and alcohol.

18. How should Levocetirizine be stored?

The medication should be stored at room temperature and kept away from children.

19. Can older adults take Levocetirizine safely?

Elderly patients are generally safe, although they may be more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of Levocetirizine, especially drowsiness. The dose adjustment in the elderly should be considered carefully, with due allowance for reduced kidney function.

20. Can Levocetirizine be taken on an empty stomach?

It can be administered on an empty stomach, and there is no need to take it with food. However, it is important to give it at the same time every day.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/levocetirizine-oral-route/description/drg-20071083
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/levocetirizine-oral-tablet#other-warnings 
https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_levocetirizine_xyzal/drugs-condition.htm
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19735-levocetirizine-oral-tablets

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.