Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To relieve sneezing and runny nose caused by allergies triggered due to dust or pets, and itchy or watery eyes (hay fever). 2. To treat itching, mild allergic reactions like redness and swelling, skin rashes (Hives or urticaria) 3. To ease throat irritation and post-nasal drip from allergies |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Sleepiness or feeling drowsy 2. Tiredness or weakness 3. Dry mouth 4. Headache 5. Feeling dizzy |
| Additional Information | 1. It should not be given to children below 2 years 2. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | This medication is taken orally |
Levocetirizine Uses
Levocetirizine is an anti-allergic medicine belonging to the category of antihistamines. It is useful for the following indications:
- Allergic reactions caused by hives (red, itchy skin bumps)
- Allergic reactions due to hay fever (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes)
Directions for use
- If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
Levocetirizine side effects
More Common
- Sleepiness or feeling drowsy
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Feeling dizzy
Less Common
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Sore throat
- Nosebleed
- Fast heartbeat
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain
- Allergic reaction (swelling, rash, itching)
How Levocetirizine works
When you have an allergy, your body releases a chemical called histamine. Histamine is responsible for symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. Levocetirizine blocks the action of histamine so that these symptoms do not occur or become less severe. It helps control allergies and makes breathing easier, reduces itching, and prevents discomfort.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy/Hypersensitivity
Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to levocetirizine, cetirizine, or any ingredients in the formulation should avoid the drug because it may trigger severe allergic reactions
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Should be used only if clearly needed; consult a healthcare professional.
Kidney Disease
This Medicine is removed through the kidneys, and weak kidneys can’t clear it properly, which can lead to side effects.
Infants and Young Children
Children under the age of 6 months should not use levocetirizine, and special caution is required for children up to 11 years with pre-existing kidney issues due to increased risk of side effects.
Levocetirizine Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Levocetirizine with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases and it could be fatal:
Levocetirizine Interaction with Food Product
Avoid consuming caffeinated foods as they can cause side effects like allergies and skin rashes. Alcohol and smoking can increase the medicine side effects occurring and worsen the patient’s conditions.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Levocetirizine Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
2-[2-[4-[(R)-(4-chlorophenyl)-phenylmethyl]piperazin-1-yl]ethoxy]acetic acid
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Levocetirizine exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
Do not take more than 5 mg of Levocetirizine a day, as the maximum dose increases the risk of serious side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, agitation, and dizziness. If you know someone who takes this medicine and has these symptoms, then rush them to the hospital immediately.
Levocetirizine Summary
Levocetirizine is a medicine used to relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, and skin rashes such as hives. It is commonly used for seasonal allergies, dust or pet allergies, and long-term allergy problems. This medicine works by blocking a chemical in the body called histamine, which causes allergy symptoms. By stopping histamine, it helps reduce itching, swelling, and discomfort.
Common side effects of levocetirizine include feeling sleepy, tired, dizzy, having a dry mouth, or a headache. It is usually safe, but it should not be taken by children under 2 years, people with severe kidney problems, or anyone allergic to the medicine. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only take it if the doctor says it is safe. Avoid alcohol because it can make you more sleepy. Always take the dose your doctor advises, usually once a day, and do not take more than 5 mg in a day.
FAQ’s
What are the uses for Levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine is used to relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, and skin rashes such as hives. It helps you feel better if you have seasonal allergies, dust or pet allergies, or long-term allergy problems.
What are the side effects of Levocetirizine?
Levocetirizine is usually safe, but some people may feel sleepy, dizzy, tired, or have a dry mouth. Rarely, it can cause upset stomach, fast heartbeat, or allergic reactions like swelling and rash.
Can I take Levocetirizine during pregnancy?
It is usually not recommended unless your doctor says it is safe. There is not enough information to know if it can harm the baby, so always ask your doctor before using it when pregnant.
What is the maximum dose of Levocetirizine?
The usual maximum dose for adults is 5 mg once a day. Do not take more than this unless your doctor tells you to, as it can increase the risk of side effects like extreme drowsiness or confusion.
What is the price of Levocetirizine 5 mg tablet?
Levocetirizine price at SayaCare is about 36 rupees, at SayaCare we provide test report with each medicine. Also, at SayaCare we provide you with up to 80% less cost than the market.
Reference
- Drugs & Medications [Internet]. www.webmd.com. Available from
- https://www.facebook.com/Drugscom. Levocetirizine Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2024. Available from
- Levocetirizine (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.