L MEDICINES

Levocetirizine Uses, Benefits, Combinations, Side-Effects and FAQ

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.

Levocetirizine Uses

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

How Levocetirizine tablet Works in the body?

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 tablet – combination, active content composition and active ingredients

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.

Levocetirizine Side Effects

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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How to Use/take Levocetirizine tablet

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.

Drug Interaction of Levocetirizine Tablet

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

Precautions

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.

Prohibition / Contraindications

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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Frequently Asked Questions

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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