Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. These symptoms are seasonal and perennial allergies and hives.
Levocetirizine tablet is used to treat allergic rhinitis symptoms and allergic skin conditions. It is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives) in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
It comes in tablet and oral solution (liquid) forms. Tablet is usually taken once daily in the evening.
To treat allergic symptoms like
Sneezing
Itching
Watery eyes and runny nose
Packages and capabilities
Generic: levocetirizine
Form: Oral tablet Strengths: 5 mg
Form: Oral solution Strengths: 2.5 mg/5 mL
Brand name: Xyzal
Form: Oral tablet Strengths: 5 mg
Form: Oral solution Strengths: 2.5 mg/5 mL
Levocetirizine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. Levocetirizine works by blocking the release of a chemical called histamine from the cells in your body. These chemical are responsible for inflammation, congestion, itching, and other allergic reactions.
Levocetirizine dihydrochloride is the active component. It is a white, crystalline powder and is water soluble.
The chemical name is (R)-[2-[4-[(4-chlorophenyl) phenylmethyl]-1-piperazinyl] ethoxy] acetic acid dihydrochloride.
Side effects of tablet can vary according to age.
Tiredness, drowsiness and weakness
Dry mouth
Sore throat
Redness and inflammation in the nose and throat
Fever
Cough
Sleepiness
Diarrhoea and Vomiting
Ear infections
Serious side effects
Allergic reactions, rash, itching and hives
Swelling of your lips, tongue, face, or throat
Kidney problems, problem in urinating, changes in the amount of urine and blood in your urine
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Dosage of drug depend on age and medical condition. Don’t take more than the recommended dose of tablet. There is an increased risk of sleepiness at higher doses.
This tablet can react with many drugs. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Here is the list of few drugs like
Antidepressants, sedative or sleeping pills
Antipyrine
Azithromycin Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine)
Cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone)
Erythromycin (E-mycin, Erythrocin)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Medications for anxiety and seizures
Theophylline (Theolair, Slo-Bid)
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
Ritonavir (Norvir), it used to treat HIV
Do not consume alcohol while using levocetirizine
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially of: difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), kidney disease.
Do not take levocetirizine if you are allergic to it or cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana.
The following conditions are contraindicated with this drug. Consult with your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
End-stage renal disease
Enlarged prostate with urination problems
Cannot empty bladder
Kidney impairment
Haemodialysis
Allergies
Antihistamines – Piperazine
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Is levocetirizine tablet an over the counter (OTC) product?
Levocetirizine tablet is not an over the counter (OTC) product. It’s a prescription medicine.
Tablet is safe during pregnancy?
This drug can be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of foetal harm. But it is good to consult with the doctor.
Tablet is safe during breast feeding?
The medication passes through breast milk in humans. Therefore, it is better to discuss this with your doctor prior to taking the levocetirizine.
Can we take alcohol with levocetirizine tablet?
Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of levocetirizine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
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