Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Levocetirizine

Levocetirizine: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is levocetirizine?

Levocetirizine is an antihistamine used to reduce allergy symptoms brought about by histamine, a natural body chemical. Levocetirizine blocks histamine’s effects, thus lowering allergic symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, itching eyes and nose, and sneezing.

Levocetirizine does not prevent or treat hives or severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.

One can use this medication for other purposes that this guide does not mention. Nevertheless, always take levocetirizine as directed.

What are the uses of levocetirizine?

  • This medication treats symptoms of year-round allergies in children.
  • It also treats adult-onset allergies. It can relieve symptoms like sneezing, tearing of the eyes, and redness caused by seasonal allergies, hay fever, or allergies to animal fur, mold, etc.
  • This medicine is also used to treat itches and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (i.e., hives or red swollen welts).
  • Levocetirizine is used for relief from runny nose and watery eyes.

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    What are the side effects of levocetirizine?

    Levocetirizine should be stopped if these symptoms are noticed:

    • Dry mouth
    • Fatigue
    • Sleepiness
    • Weakness
    • Sore throat
    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Nosebleeds

    In case of these severe side effects, immediately call your doctor:

    • Itching
    • Hives
    • Rashes over hands, arms, ankles, feet, or lower legs

    Seek emergency medical help if you have allergic reactions or side effects to the medicine. Contact Yashoda Hospitals for medical help and expert advice if you face unusual problems while taking levocetirizine.

    What is Levocetirizine

    Uses of Levocetirizine

    Side effects of Levocetirizine

    References

    1. Drugs.com 
    2. Medline Plus
    3. Research Gate
    4. Levocetirizine Use During Pregnancy

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Levocetirizine

    Levocetirizine is an antihistamine medication used to lower symptoms like skin rashes and other allergic reactions occurring in the body due to hay fever, seasonal allergies, etc. The white blood cells produce histamine to defend against an allergen. These cause the said inconvenient allergic reactions. Levocetirizine blocks histamine, and gradually lessens the allergic symptoms.

    Most antihistamine medications are well recognized to induce sleep, decrease alertness, impair consciousness, and weaken cognitive function with clinical use. Levocetirizine is a new generation antihistamine and improves these events as it does not permeate the blood-brain barrier as much as other antihistamines. It does not induce these side effects for the same reason.

    Levocetirizine should not be used during pregnancy if not needed. This medication comes under the US FDA pregnancy category: B. No scientific evidence has confirmed that levocetirizine causes fetal disturbance or malformation, or halts the pregnancy. Several animal reproduction studies failed to prove if levocetirizine poses a risk to the fetus.

    No. Levocetirizine has no antibacterial properties. It is simply an antihistamine medication that blocks the production of histamine, a natural chemical in the body. It can treat symptoms of only allergic conditions like itching, rashes, runny nose, and watery eyes. It cannot resist bacterial infection, and thus is not an antibiotic.

    The onset of action of levocetirizine lasts for 28 hours. However, it takes 50 hours to be eliminated from your system. You should avoid taking levocetirizine if you are suffering from kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis. Once your symptoms disappear, you should discontinue the medication and watch the weight change.

    The effects of levocetirizine begin after approximately one hour. They reach their peak six hours after administration and remain for 28 hours. In the treatment of allergic rhinitis, the onset of levocetirizine's action remains for one day after taking it.

    Levocetirizine is often consumed in the morning. You can take it whenever it is suitable, either before or after a meal. However, adequate sleep is needed afterward, as levocetirizine may make you drowsy. It is recommended to avoid activities that require concentration after taking levocetirizine, like driving. Hence, it is best to take levocetirizine at night.

    Not entirely. Adults and children over 12 years can take levocetirizine 5mg tablets once a day in the evening. In some cases, a 2.5 mg dose (half tablet) is given to patients once again in the evening. Do not exceed the dose of Levocetirizine. Discontinue the tablet if any side effects occur and after the symptoms have disappeared.

    Small doses of levocetirizine are normally acceptable during breastfeeding. However, if the mother exceeds the dosage, it may lead to prolonged effects and drowsiness in infants. Increased dosages can reduce milk supply, especially if consumed with a sympathomimetic drug such as pseudoephedrine.

    Levocetirizine blocks histamine to relieve allergic symptoms. This medication has been established to increase appetite in many cases and cause potential weight gain. Post the relief of the symptoms, you should discontinue the medication and watch the weight change.
    For more detailed information regarding this medication and qualified medical advice, consult our healthcare experts at Yashoda Hospitals.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Montek LC Levocetirizine (5mg) + Montelukast (10mg) Tablet
    2. Montair-LC Levocetirizine (5mg) + Montelukast (10mg) Tablet
    3. Teczine Levocetirizine (5mg) Tablet